March roller coaster

Riding on the March roller coaster….

People have different opinions about the month of March.  As the transition point from winter to spring, some view it as the beginning of spring while others still hope for weather-related delays or cancellations (mostly students). Having had to recommend 3 cancellations and 11 delays/early dismissals, I join parents in hoping that we’ve seen the last of the game-changing snows for this year—yet I remember vividly the surprise storm that hit our area on April 23 last year.

From an educational standpoint, March is the month in which preparation for the PSSA begins in earnest.  While some may feel that these tests are neither appropriate nor a valid means of judging student success, they remain a mandate that directly impacts our viability as a public school district. For this reason, teachers and students redouble their efforts at this time of year.

As always, I am impressed by the tenacity of students and staff in this regard. Somehow, even as students prepare for the spring sports, they maintain their focus on academics. Just as coaches train their athletes in ways that allow them to peak at just the right time for competition, teachers do an excellent job of test preparation throughout the school year: in addition to teaching critical concepts, they skillfully pace instruction to reduce test anxiety and burn out. Teachers strive to ensure that students are peaking for maximum performance just as the state tests begin. 

March is also the time of year for the state-required severe weather drill to take place in all school districts.  We did this March 5^th in each of our buildings.  All staff members have emergency manuals that detail many possible scenarios and ways to react based on location within the building.  We are also required to conduct bus evacuation and fire drills before the end of March.  Unfortunately, we have to now be prepared and practice for another type of drill: active shooter lockdown drill. 

Since the Sandy Hook incident, many districts have revisited and enhanced their security procedures.  Some of these processes are minor in cost (such as requiring all personnel to wear ID badges, assigning parking spaces, etc.) and other measures can be very pricey (School Resource Officer).  Regardless of the cost or involvement, everyone needs to be prepared and not behave as if it can’t happen in their district. 

Central Cambria has taken a proactive lead by coordinating an Active Shooter Drill in our HS/MS complex on March 8.  This exercise was the first in the area to involve all staff and about 80 student volunteers.  Ten local agencies participated in the drill, and surrounding schools were invited to observe.  Below is the scenario in which the drill was conducted: 

Prior to the drill, each student had been assigned to be in specific rooms with a staff member(s). Each had been given a role-play card (such as needing to go to the bathroom or wanting to climb out a window during the lockdown, etc.).

At the start of the drill, two suspicious men are seen in front of the high school.  Mrs. McDermott, HS Principal and the maintenance supervisor go outside to confront them; both are shot.  The two shooters shoot the glass at the main entrance and enter the building.  The school secretary informs Mr. Klezek, the assistant high school principal, and they rush into a secure room.  From there he does a school-wide call for a building lockdown. 

As the 911 center spreads the word, Cambria Township police are the first to arrive on the scene looking for the shooters.  As more police arrive, one shooter is fatally shot while the other is in custody. The SERT (Special Emergency Response Team) personnel then proceed to clear the building room by room.  The entire drill to take out the shooters lasted only ten minutes but seemed like hours as the smell of gunpowder and the blaring fire alarm made the entire drill seem all to real. 

The knowledge and experience gained by this drill were invaluable. Guidance counselors were available to students with any concerns or issues related to the drill.  Kudos to our staff, Administration, the Emergency Services Department of Cambria County and the law enforcement agencies that contributed to the success of this drill. 

On a much lighter note, congratulations and thanks to the school volunteers and parents who helped make this year’s Supper for Science another huge success.  Teachers, Board members and administrators all helped in various capacities among the region’s local businesses.  This has become a wonderful community event!

And finally, what would my blog be without some mention of sports.  The Pens are on a five game winning streak with Crosby being the NHL point leader.  They are first in their division.  And for football fans, there are only 31 days until the NFL draft and 188 days until the first college game, not that I am counting.  On a sad note (although my son and son-in-law would disagree), James Harrison, OLB, was released by the Steelers (heavy sigh).  My wife had to remind me to remove the black armband before I came to work today.

Enjoy Spring!

Dr. D.