Port Washington Schools Move Quickly to Reassure Families on Security Plans

Port Washington school officials moved swiftly Friday to reassure families that every effort is being made to keep local schools safe.

Responding to the tragedy in Connecticut, Port Washington administrators issued a detailed outline of some of their emergency procedures. They include:

 Planning and Preparedness

• The district and each school works closely with Port Washington Police District (and in the case of Guggenheim School Sands Point Police Department).
• The PWPD and SPPD are members of the Emergency Preparedness Committee
• Each school has emergency response plans that direct responses for this every occupance. Lockdown drills in the case of armed intruders are practiced.
• Table-top exercises have been conducted at the high school for response to this scenario.
• The police have conducted active shooter training at the high school.

Visitor Access Procedures

• Every school has visitor logs.
• ID is held at the door in each school until visitor leaves. If visitor refuses to leave ID at the door all demographic information is recorded in a "denial log."
• All schools have emergency "panic" buttons at the front door. With the press of a button the police respond immediately.
• Three schools in the district have SituCon cameras at the front doors. These can record and stream the video to the police department when activated. The police can view the stream from smart cell phones as well.

Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Mooney said school officials and the Board of Education “assess and re-evaluate our security procedures. Changes are made when appropriate. The district is extremely diligent in its efforts to protect the safety our children and staff at all times."

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