March 4, 2003

Dear Parents:

As you know, the Homeland Security Advisory System has fluctuated between High Alert status (Orange) and Elevated Alert status (Yellow) recently. Ongoing concerns about terrorist threats and impending war have caused President George W. Bush to warn Americans to be increasingly vigilant.

The Freeport Public Schools are well prepared to respond to any activity that potentially compromises the safety and well-being of our students and staff. In fact, over the past year, we have taken numerous steps to prepare for crisis situations, such as conducting drills at schools and meeting regularly with the Freeport Police Department. Since the declaration of High Alert status (Orange), we have been in regular contact with local, county and state authorities regarding further emergency preparedness.

One step we have taken is to suspend all field trips off of Long Island. As you will recall, this is an action we have taken several times since September 11, 2001. However, we are considering on a case-by-case basis all trips that have already been planned and paid for, as well as any future requests. At the end of the month, we will review the suspension.

In order for our children to feel safe and secure, it is essential that parents work closely with schools. In the case of an emergency, parents are important partners in our efforts to provide security for all of our children and staff. Please contact your child’s school and make sure that all contact information, medical information, and emergency contact information is up to date, including contact information of individuals to whom your child may be released.

In the event of an emergency during the day, your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to school personnel. School staff have been trained and are prepared. We are confident in our level of preparedness and we will continue to be proactive in our efforts to ensure the safety and security of all student and staff by constantly reviewing and improving procedures.

You might want to consider taking the time to talk to your child about how your family will respond in the event of an emergency. Some agencies that provide useful information are:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security	www.ready.gov
Food and Drug Administration	www.fda.gov
Food and Drug Hotline	(301) 443-1240
American Red Cross	www.redcross.org
Federal Emergency Management Agency	www.fema.gov

Please know that we are carefully monitoring all of the information that comes from local, county, state and national sources. We will continue to update you regarding any changes or pertinent issues. Please contact your child’s school with any questions and/or concerns. We appreciate your support and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Eric L. Eversley, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools