Dear Parents,

I wanted to update you on a couple of decisions regarding security in light of the recent theft in the Jonathan Milikowsky Science and Technology Building (JMSTB).  We believe the newness of the building and its focus on technology have drawn attention to it at a time when New Haven (particularly East Rock and now our neighborhood) seems to be having a problem with break-ins with the specific goal of stealing Apple products.  We have taken the following steps:

1.  A motion detector and a window alarm will be installed in the computer lab.

2.  We have instructed all teachers to remove from view and lock away all laptops at the end of each day.

3.  Beginning today, on a trial basis (initially until Spring Break) we have made the following changes:

a) The only access to the JMSTB from the outside will be through the front door.  Students can still exit from any door in the building.  Teachers can enter through any door with a key.

b) A third security person has been added to our campus.  He will focus on the northern end of the campus - Loomis Place, Highland, the circle and especially the JMSTB.  In addition to having a real presence on this end of the campus, it will increase the presence of current security guards Karen and Tyrell on the rest of the campus. 

These decisions were made with careful thought and deliberation. We want to be sure to hold on to the very special culture of our school, which includes freedom to move about, in and out of buildings and classrooms, while also paying attention to the safety and security of our community and campus. We believe the new measures are appropriate ones.  This information was shared with the faculty on Tuesday and with Middle School students this morning. 

We will assess the impact of the trial measures and make changes as needed.

Best,

Carol Maoz