Dear SDoL students and families,
The School District of Lancaster remains committed to ensuring our students have a safe, welcoming learning environment every day our schools are open. Let’s all do our part to ensure our schools are safe.
School staff have already completed reviews of our Standards and Expectations for Student Behavior at least twice this school year. This includes reminding students of the many resources and supports available if they have questions or concerns. We encourage our students to report any issues to you and to adults in our schools. We rely on the partnership between home and school to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Students may also report any concerns via the state’s Safe2Say tip line, which is anonymous.
Our expectations for student behavior remain unchanged. Threats of violence, physical aggression, mace, fighting, drugs, vapes, and weapons possession will not be tolerated. Offenses such as these may result in suspension, assignment to our alternative program (Buehrle Academy), or may result in expulsion from school.
Please be aware that Board Policy 226 authorizes school officials to search a student’s locker, personal possessions, or motor vehicle parked on school property “when there is reasonable suspicion that the student is violating law, Board policy or school rules, or poses a threat to the health, safety or welfare of the school population.” If a student is personally identified as possibly possessing a weapon, our School Resource/Security Officers (SROs, SSOs) may also intervene to search the student.
Conversations at Home Help Keep Our Schools Safe
Please take a few minutes to talk with your child about making safe choices at school, on the bus, at school activities, and online. You can use these statements to guide your conversation:
- “What you bring to school matters.” Never bring weapons, ammunition, fireworks, drugs, alcohol, vapes, or other dangerous items to school. Toy or look-alike weapons can also create fear and unsafe situations. Never agree to carry, hold, or hide these items for someone else. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask an adult before bringing it.
- “Your words matter, including online.” Never threaten to hurt someone or make threats about school safety, even as a joke or when you are angry. Words, posts, messages, images, and gestures can cause real fear and must be taken seriously.
- “You can be upset and still make a safe choice.” Fighting, pushing, encouraging a fight, or joining in can hurt others and make a situation more dangerous. If a conflict is growing, move away and get help from an adult. Asking for help is a responsible choice.
- “Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome.” Bullying, harassment, slurs, and targeting someone because of who they are, where they come from, or how they are different are unacceptable. Treat others with dignity, and tell an adult if you or someone else is being mistreated.
- “If something feels unsafe, tell an adult right away.” If you see a dangerous item, hear a threat, or receive a concerning message, tell a parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor, administrator, or another trusted adult immediately. Do not touch or try to take a dangerous item from someone. You do not need to investigate or decide whether a threat is serious before reporting it.
- “You can always come to me for help.” If you feel unsafe, are being pressured to do something, or are worried that you or someone else might hurt someone, tell another trusted adult or me. We will work together to get help.
Please also check in with your child about what they carry in their backpack and bring to school each day. Ask: “Who is an adult at school you can go to for help?” and “Is there anything happening at school or online that is making you feel unsafe?” These conversations help children recognize concerns, seek support, and understand their role in keeping our school community safe.
Please contact your child’s school directly with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your support in keeping our students and staff safe while fostering a culture of belonging.