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February 28, 2012

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As we are all saddened by the tragedy that happened at Chardon High School on Feb. 27, on behalf of the

district, I offer our condolences to the victims, their families, staff, students and the Chardon community.

This is a good time to emphasize with parents the importance of open communication lines between the schools

and its families and vigilance of student behavior. I also want to reassure parents that the districts safetyprocedures are sound and secure.

The best way to prevent a tragedy such as what happened in Chardon from occurring is for parents and students

to report anycriminal misconduct, violence, threats and bullying on the part of our students. Should an incident

occur off school property, we encourage you to contact the Lakewood Police Department. Otherwise, please

report such incidents to a building principal, teacher, guidance counselor or other staff member. All reports will

be taken seriously. You can also call the district Security Hotline that is monitored 24/7 at 227-5311. Calls can be

made anonymously to the Security Hotline and district personnel are notified immediately when a call is placed.

Once the district receives a report, school officials will investigate and notify the Lakewood Police Department

when necessary.

The Lakewood Police Department is also a critical partner with the district in preparing and implementing our

safety procedures for our school buildings. Our staff is trained each year with the help of the Police Department

on lockdown and evacuation procedures. Our students and staff practice the lockdown drill four times

throughout the school year. Our staff is well-prepared to handle any situation that may arise and will always put

your childs safety first. The Police Department is also well-prepared to respond to school emergencies and

utilizes our facilities to train for crisis situations.

Our safety plan is continually reviewed and updated when needed and a thorough review will be conducted

once investigation reports are available from Geauga County law enforcement agencies to see what can be

learned from their experience in Chardon.

On a day-to-day basis our safety measures include secured entrances and video cameras at all school buildings.In addition, at Lakewood High School students and visitors must pass through a staffed security entrance and

there are also eight security personnel on duty during the school day. There is also a Lakewood Police

Department presence at the high school through its School Resource Officer/D.A.R.E Officer.

When an emergency situation arises, the district will notify parents via phone and email with the AlertNow

system. Please make sure that your contact information is updated with your childs school office and remember

LAKEWOOD CITY SCHOOLS

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to let the school know whenever there is a change in address, phone number or email. If you have not provided

an email to the district and you would like to do so, please also contact your school office.

To reiterate, all of the district administrators, faculty and staff take any threats of violence, criminal misconduct

and bullying very seriously and urge parents and students to report any such incidents. Your childs safety is our

first priority and with your cooperation and support we can help stem any potential harmful acts from occurring

in our schools.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey W. Patterson

Superintendent