September 15, 2006 Bobcat Beat Newsletter



	September 15, 2006 Dear Parents/Guardians/Friends, Although we had a letter going home on Wednesday regarding our intruder, I wanted to keep you informed as to security measures and discussions held with staff. We have been in close contact with the Omaha Public Schools Central Offices, as well. It is still unknown how the intruder had access to the building, yet we have learned that a person with the same description has been seen at other local establishments in search of purses containing credit cards. Our building security system allows staff members with identification cards to have access to the locked outside doors using their cards. In the mornings from 8:00 to 9:00 the doors do allow students to have access. We want them to get into the building especially during cold weather. At 9:00 all doors lock down (although we can still exit the building) except for the front door. The Kids Club door is open to allow students and parents to enter the gym during the time that Kids Club is in session. After that time, the doors will lock. At least one adult needs to remain in the gym to monitor the door both in the morning and after school. If other doors in the building are propped open, it will send an alarm into the office. We can identify which door it is and it can be checked. Our security personnel is stationed at the desk in the lobby area. He is not only responsible for the front door, but the entire building. He does frequent walk throughs, checks the parking lot and teardrop drive, east/west playgrounds, helps with students in the lunchroom and assists with students having behavior difficulties. He assists with safety patrol and monitoring traffic. Thus, he may not always be at the security desk while performing these duties. Anyone (even if we know you!) visiting the building or going to a child’s classroom must sign in either at the security desk or in the office and wear a visitor’s badge. This has been in place for several years. The Beals Staff met after school on Wednesday to be appraised of the incident. The building Crisis Team met following the staff meeting to review and discuss procedures. The following suggestions emerged: ˆ Reinforce use of walkie talkies throughout the building and on the playground. ˆ Additional supervision of students in the lunchroom when Crisis Team is called if emergency during lunch. ˆ Reassurance of safety to students via intercom. ˆ Request school psychologist to be available for student/staff counseling if necessary. ˆ Continue monitoring of Kids Club doors with an adult in the gym at all times ˆ Front door monitoring—notification when security is away from area. Possibility of other staff watching the door when security is away for extended period. ˆ Those entering the building and wearing lanyards/badges would be identified with a sticker to signify checking in with the office. ˆ Parent volunteers to be “meeters and greeters” at the door over lunch time. Approximately 1 _ hours a day. If enough volunteer, it may only be once every two weeks. If interested, please call us at 554-8570. We’d love to have your help! Hopefully this has answered some of your questions. We have received wonderful support and suggestions from the community. As always your child’s safety is our primary concern. Thank you for your help! Sincerely, Kim Whitehouse, Principal OPEN HOUSE Education Week is next week! What a grand time to celebrate the education of our children. Our Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2006 beginning at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The band and strings will be playing; the Beal’s Meal Deal will be available along with a Bake Sale. What a great family event! Come, visit the school, and celebrate! ***************************************** NO SCHOOL There is no school for students on Friday, September 29, 2006 and Monday, October 2, 2006 due to a Teacher Work Day and teacher Curriculum Day. ************************************ Thank You Hy-Vee! We’d like to thank Hy-Vee for giving us the opportunity to save receipts from their stores! Any receipts from September 11 to December 31^st can be turned into Beals and we will receive a percentage back from the total on the receipt! So save those receipts and send them to school with your child!