Dear Parents and Families,

As a school and a district, we continually work to make sure that our students have a safe, orderly, and secure learning environment. This type of environment is essential for students to have the best opportunity to learn and strive academically. This school year has provided us with some challenges that have allowed the staff and administration to analyze some procedures and practices. We have altered some practices to ensure our students the optimal learning atmosphere. Some of those implementations are: not allowing bags and/or purses in the classroom or hallway once school starts, utilizing one main entrance to increase the visibility of individuals coming into the building, and reducing how often students are in the hallway during class time.

Today (December 7, 2009), another step was implemented that will randomly occur throughout the remainder of the school year. All students and visitors entering the high school had their bags and belongings searched. This was not in response to any new situation, old situation, or gathered information, rather a proactive step in our continued efforts to provide a safe and secure building. This extra security measure will take place on a random basis and as the administration sees fit.

Some of these measures may cause a slight inconvenience for students, but in turn helps the building take the needed steps that will ensure a safe environment for all students and staff. We thank you for your understanding and ask that if you have any questions do not hesitate to call us at school at 421-4430.

Educationally yours,

T.J. Jumper, Director of Secondary Programs

tjumper@mason-city.k12.ia.us