April 19, 2021

Dear Stuyvesant Community,

The safety, security, and health of our students and entire school community continue to be our most important priority. Each year we take the proactive steps to train both staff and students to prepare for emergency situations. Every school is required to have a Building Response Team (BRT), who are activated during emergency situations and drills to ensure the safety protocols are executed. Moreover, our BRT works closely with our Parent Association (PA) Health and Safety Committee to review other health and safety related issues to maintain the overall well-being of our student body, faculty, and families. 

Below are the practices we conduct annually to support the safety of our school community:

• Evacuation, Lockdown and Shelter-in drills are conducted each year (minimum of 12)
• Monthly Safety Committee meetings to discuss and review security and health issues and trainings
• Deans, counselors, and other staff members receive training on de-escalation, restorative justice and diversity and inclusion practices
• Physical Education and Health classes include lessons on cyberbullying and internet responsibility
• Increased community-building and social-emotional learning experiences for students.

Recently, we have seen an increase in incidences toward the Asian-American communities; therefore, we have requested more presence from NYPD and additional support from School Safety during entry and dismissal times. Finally, every year we receive anonymous tips or messages, which require us to work closely with the NYPD, the Borough Safety Office, and the Superintendent's Office. When the school receives a tip or message related to a security issue, we immediately escalate it to the NYPD. The NYPD assesses the credibility of the tip and determines the threat level while working with the school administration to keep us informed. We take every safety, security, and health issue seriously and will continue to do so, particularly during these unprecedented times. 

We appreciate all of your support and cooperation to maintain the overall well-being of our school community. 

Sincerely,

Stuyvesant High School Administration