More hate in Lebo UPDATED

Jefferson Middle School track

Photo from Facebook

Now I know why Timmy checked the blog SEVEN times today. Time for another letter for parents, Tim?

Update November 29, 2016 7:22 PM I understand that another email was sent out to parents today at 4:30 PM.

From: Dr. Timothy Steinhauer [mailto:noreply@mtlsd.net]
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 4:30 PM
To: Parents
Subject: Message to Parents

To All Members of the Mt. Lebanon School Community,

The Mt. Lebanon School District prides itself on being an inclusive and accepting school community. We value that our schools include students and families from many different backgrounds. Our faculty, staff and administration are dedicated to fostering learning for all students in a respectful and safe environment.  We are aware and have responded to several incidents, in and around our schools, that are in conflict with these ideals.

Rest assured that the administration, fully supported by the Board of School Directors, has zero tolerance for this type of behavior.  As is the standard of practice, the administration will immediately investigate any incident that is inappropriate, discriminatory, or intimidating in nature that occurs on school grounds. Any response will be educational, and as appropriate, disciplinary. 

   

We appreciate your support in our efforts to advance inclusive schools where each and every child thrives. Please continue to notify your child’s teacher or principal if you are made aware of any issue that may create a non-inclusionary atmosphere. If you wish to discuss these issues further, please contact your school counselor, principal, or superintendent.

Everyone is welcomed and valued in the Mt. Lebanon School District.
 

Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.                                          Lawrence M. Lebowitz
Superintendent of Schools                                              President, Board of School Directors

The hate is spreading to our children UPDATED

I have no details yet. Our super Super is preparing a statement which will be sent home to parents.

"Friends, the hate is spreading to our children. We must stop this. This swastika was found in the mulch at an elementary school playground in Mt. Lebanon, the community we live in and my children attend school in. At a middle school, also in Mt Lebanon, some students started a "Kill All Jews" club. This happens to be a community where many Jewish families reside. I am sickened that this is happening in 2016. Please share. The schools have told us nothing. We need to come together as a community and challenge this type of behavior."

Update November 23, 2016 4:29 PM Letter sent to Parents:

From: Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D. <noreply@mtlsd.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2016 2:25 PM
To: Parents
Subject: Recent Incident

 

Dear Parents,

This morning we were made aware that an image of a swastika had been created on the playground of Washington Elementary School on October 12, 2016. It was drawn into the mulch and was not permanent. On that day the image was photographed and has since been circulated on social media.

After an immediate and thorough investigation, the sixth grade student responsible for creating this image admitted responsibility to the Mellon Middle School administration. The Mt. Lebanon Police Department was notified and other appropriate actions will ensue.

Have no doubt that we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all of our students. We have and will continue to act swiftly to address any issues that are offensive in accordance with our long-standing history, policies, and practices of nondiscrimination. There is zero-tolerance of discriminatory behavior in our schools.

Please continue to notify your child’s teacher or principal if you are made aware of any issue that may create a non-inclusionary atmosphere. Likewise, if you have concerns about your child’s reaction to this incident or wish to discuss further, please contact your school counselor, principal, or me.

Respectfully,

Timothy J. Steinhauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools