Anyone who spends time in schools recognizes that they are complex social organizations. As educators, we thrive on thinking about how to serve the academic, social, and behavioral needs of every student. Our amazing faculty and staff spend countless hours planning, studying, researching, and designing engaging learning opportunities, never resting in the pursuit of excellence. Equally, we work diligently to partner with parents to effectively nurture to spirit of learning and joy in every child in our care. In short, it is our favorite work to imagine how to fan the spark of learning in all of us.
Our school is also a complex organizational system. Our staff handles a myriad of activities to keep the doors open, the lights on, and establish an environment conducive to learning. An essential element of that endeavor is to continuously consider the safety of our students, faculty, guests, and physical plant. In order to create a safe, nurturing environment, we plan and practice for every conceivable situation. In that vein, we rehearsed our lockdown procedures Tuesday with students, faculty, staff, and administration. Like our monthly fire drills, this routine practice and evaluation is an essential activity for our school. As it goes, practice makes perfect. I can report our students and faculty practiced our drill effectively and with calm, serious purpose.
As you know, the Lynchburg City Police visited campus Wednesday, Dec. 13, based on what was determined to be a prank phone call. While at no time was any threat levied, the police worked with us to review the property and to make sure school was functioning as usual. We are deeply appreciative of the professional support provided by law enforcement to guarantee the safety and well-being of our entire community. When it comes to safety, we can never rest.