From the Principal's Desk

Dear SVDP Parents,

The school Leadership Team and the Advisory Board recently meet to discuss campus wide security measures in light of what has transpired at a Catholic school in the midwest. We are writing to inform you of our school’s safety and security procedures. The well-being of our students, staff, and visitors remains our top priority, and we continue to review and strengthen our protocols to ensure a secure environment for all.

Please take note of the following updates:

• Mass Attendance: For those joining us for school Mass, doors will be closed promptly at the start. Please arrive early to be seated before Mass begins. Late entry will not be permitted once the doors are closed.

• Block Sweeps: Our facilities team will continue to conduct routine block sweeps throughout the school day. These checks help maintain safety across all areas of campus.

• Controlled Entry Points: We have a double-bell entry system — one at the street level and another at the main entrance — to better screen and monitor all visitors before allowing access to the campus.

• Surveillance Cameras: Visible security cameras are strategically placed around the campus and monitored regularly to help deter and detect any suspicious activity.

• Visitor Check-In: All visitors are required to check in at the front office and wear a visitor badge while on school grounds.

• Locked Doors: All exterior doors remain locked during the school day. Staff and students use secure keycard access for movement in and out of buildings.

• Staff Supervision Requirements: All staff supervising students outdoors are required to wear a safety vest, carry a whistle, and have a cellphone on them at all times. This ensures they are easily identifiable and can respond quickly in case of an emergency.

• Emergency Drills: We will continue to hold regular safety drills, including fire, lockdown, and evacuation procedures, so that students and staff are prepared to respond effectively in any situation.

• Ongoing Staff Training: Our faculty and staff receive ongoing safety and emergency response training and are first aid/CPR certified.

Familiarize yourself with the Standard Response Protocols - language used with our students.

Review the SAFETY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION section. Become familiar with the Emergency Evacuation procedures and the evacuation site.