Rahway
Public Schools
Kline Place • P.O. Box 42
• Rahway • New Jersey
• 07065 • (732) 396-1000
William D. Petrino
Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
March 18, 2003
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Living with the threat of terrorism and the possibility of war
makes everyone, especially children, feel vulnerable. Our school system is
responding to the continued national warnings about potential terrorist threats
by working to ensure two things: (1) schools have crisis plans in place, ready
for quick and confident activation; and (2) school system resources are
available to help with the mental health needs of children and adults during
this time of crisis.
Each school has a team of professional staff members that oversee
crisis preparations and that ensure that all staff members are informed of
emergency procedures. The
following are steps that each family can follow to help support our efforts:
- Be sure the school has been
provided any new or changed personal information, including cell phone
numbers or emergency contacts.
If you wish to verify the information currently on file, please
call your school.
- Develop your own Emergency
Plan. Make sure that everyone
is aware of what it contains and that it outlines basic responsibilities.
You can refer to the Red Cross's Web Site at www.redcross.org for further information.
- Don't be afraid to talk to
your child about the world events and how they affect them. Let them know these are
circumstances that are out of their control and that they should continue
to carry out their daily routine.
Remember that children are very perceptive and can read your
feelings so remain calm and reassuring.
- Use available professional
resources to get current information. A link to some useful websites can be found on the
district web page at www.rahway.net.
In the event of a national crisis, where either evacuation to
another site or lock down in the school building is warranted, the security of
each student is our highest priority. Our district crisis team will work with
staff to implement our procedures and to keep you notified of your student's
well being.
Please understand that access to schools during an incident might
be restricted for a variety of reasons beyond our control. In such instances,
parents should remain aware of public notices on radio, television, and the
Internet about emergency procedures and updates. Information will be posted on
Comcast Cable TV-35. Emergency closing information is also available at
396-1000 or any school main number, then press "1".
I know that parents, students, and staff will work together to
help maintain a focus on teaching and learning in our schools as world leaders
address this continuing emergency.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to
contact your building principal or Mrs. Peris, Supervisor of Services for
Children at 732-396-1035.
Sincerely yours,
William D. Petrino
Superintendent