School Safety & Security Conversation-October 24

From: "Dr. Timothy Steinhauer" <noreply@mtlsd.net>
Date: October 17, 2018 at 4:25:39 PM EDT
To: Mt. Lebanon Parents
Subject: School Safety & Security Conversation-October 24

Dear Mt. Lebanon Parents,

I would like to invite you to a School Community Conversation on School Safety and Security on October 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. I will be joined by MLPD Chief Aaron Lauth to continue the conversation we began last spring. Since then, we have taken additional steps to improve safety and security in our schools.

The Mt. Lebanon School Board recently dedicated $1M to address additional infrastructure needs identified through MLPD’s Safety Audit of our schools. Those recommendations will be used as a guide to prioritize safety and security upgrades throughout the District. I will share an overview of those plans.

I will also share the District's multi-layered approach to support the mental health and well-being of our students. I know that supportive and caring schools where children feel emotionally connected are ultimately safer schools.

Evidence-based strategies that support safe and secure school environments combined with a clear focus on student mental health and well-being guides our work. As a critical partner in our efforts, I invite you to be part of this ongoing conversation on October 24. The event will be recorded and available for view on the District’s website and Channels 19/33.

Sincerely,


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

Suddenly, it's all about guns, one way or another

First, it was about the walkout and the shootings in Florida. Then, I posted that the high powered rifles being fired in undisclosed areas of Mt. Lebanon has ended. Followed that with the Democratic candidate who supports Assault Weapons Ban Legislation.

Now, it is about the "conversation about school safety" with Tim Steinhauer and Aaron Lauth.
From Facebook:

Thank you to all who braved the snowy night to attend the Community Conversation About Safety and Security last night. Dr. Steinhauer and MLPD Chief Aaron Lauth shared information about our school safety programs including ways we secure our buildings, train students and staff along with prevention strategies.Click here for more information and to watch a video of the program. https://www.mtlsd.org/page.cfm?p=578&newsid=1593

A School Community Conversation UPDATED with new "non-credible threat"

Harry Funk/The Almanac

At Mt. Lebanon High School, about 200 students filed out of the building shortly before 10 and stood below the walkway connecting the school building with the athletic facility, as could be observed from a Lebanon Avenue sidewalk just off school property.

Myles Greenbaum, a junior, said he created 17 signs representing each of the Florida fatalities and distributed them “to show a powerful image” as students stood outside under clouds with the temperature in the mid-20s.

“I was in the front and able to see everyone freezing and I believe that it was perfect conditions for the circumstances,” Greenbaum reported via email. “All of the students were freezing, in pain, wanting to go inside, but their pain is nothing compared to the families of the victims of Stoneman Douglas. We stood strong for all 17 minutes with everyone silent (excluding one very rude student).”

Read more: South Hills students participate in March 14 walkout

Update March 20, 2018 5:12 PM Another "non-credible threat" today. Wouldn't this have been the time to remind parents of tonight's "conversation?"

From: Mr. Brian R. McFeeley, Principal - Mt. Lebanon HS <noreply@mtlsd.net>
Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 4:10 PM
To: Parent/Guardian
Subject: Graffiti in Bathroom

Dear Parent/Guardian:

This afternoon, a staff member reported to school officials finding what they perceived as a threat written on a bathroom wall at the high school.  Upon learning this information, the Mt. Lebanon Police Department was immediately contacted. Both the Mt. Lebanon Police and our administrators immediately responded and conducted an onsite threat assessment. The threat was deemed to be non-credible and no further action was recommended.  

School safety and security is our number one priority.  I want to reinforce that it is important that students, parents, staff, and other members of our school community should always feel comfortable reporting any concerns they may have to a principal or to the Mt. Lebanon Police.   Once again, I share this information in the spirit of maintaining open lines of communication during these sensitive times regarding safety and security in our schools in the event your son/daughter heard a rumor about this.  

I appreciate our continued partnership ensuring a safe school environment for our students, staff, and visitors.

Sincerely,

Brian R. McFeeley

Principal

Update March 20, 2018 7:50 PM From Facebook at 7:30 tonight.