Crescent High School Families,
I know that recent events have deeply shaken many of us, and as a parent myself, I understand the overwhelming concern you may feel about sending your child to school each day. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is truly our top priority, and I want to take this opportunity to inform and reassure you of the steps we are taking to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone at Crescent.
Thankfully, over the past several years, our school and district have worked to put comprehensive safety measures in place, including adding extra layers of protection and ensuring safety procedures and processes are up to date.
Some security measures that have been implemented or are already common practice here at Crescent High School include but are not limited to:
-”Storefront” locks are on all doors that do not allow doors to be left unlocked. Doors are closed and locked at all times.
-Increased emphasis on safety and security for students and staff is in place, going beyond monthly drills to make safety a regular topic and emphasis.
-Enhanced security protocols are at all entrances and exits. Entrances and exits have access controls or “swipe cards” for staff entry. This gives us the capability to monitor, track, and easily lock down the doors at any time. All doors were also rekeyed, limiting who has external door access.
-School check-in procedures include criminal background checks.
-Our school camera system has been upgraded every year, but most recently, our IT Department has added several new cameras to replace outdated ones and add cameras to limit the number of blind spots.
-The relocation of the Transportation Department on our campus has allowed us to secure the rear of our building during the school day. Additional fencing was also installed this summer between the track facility and the football field to add another layer of security during events.
-A universal Standard Response Protocol was implemented that gives teachers and staff simplified instructions and procedures in the event of an emergency.
-Annual School Security Tours with local law enforcement, emergency management, fire department, EMS, and first responders are used for planning and feedback with facility and safety protocols.
-Annual visits from the South Carolina State Department are in place for facility safety inspections.
-A school resource officer (SRO) is onsite daily.
-Monthly administrative safety checks are in place.
I want to assure you that we are constantly evaluating and improving these systems to ensure they meet the highest standards of protection. My commitment to the safety of your children is deeply personal because, like many of you, I bring my own child to Crescent each day. I wouldn’t entrust his safety to anything less than the very best precautions, and I want you to feel the same level of confidence for your child.
While this is a difficult time for us all, we must not allow society and social media to distract us from what is important. Everything we do at Crescent is for the betterment of all 830 students who enter our doors, and we will continue to adapt to ensure they have the best possible educational experience.
I believe that by working together, staying vigilant, and remaining united as a community, we can continue to make our school a safe place for learning and growth. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns or questions.
Thank you for your continued trust in us. We are in this together.
Sincerely,
T. Cliff Roberts
Principal, Crescent High School
robertstc@acsd3.org