Dear Pine-Richland Students, Staff, Families

and Community Members:

 

As we settle into the new school year, the district wanted to take another opportunity to remind our families and community of important safety measures that have been put into place over the past few years.

 

Public access to school properties and facilities during school hours is prohibited. The challenge is balancing the use of facilities by the public while maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for our students and staff during the school day. The topic is most frequent at the secondary and Richland Elementary campuses due to the availability of facilities such as the tracks and tennis courts.

 

The administration, school resource officer, and the district's safety and security coordinators have been working with the Northern Regional Police Department regarding enforcement and have installed appropriate signage on all of our six campuses. 

 

> Public access on the Pine-Richland School District campuses will be prohibited during school hours:

 

> Santacroce Stadium at Richland Elementary School will be available during school hours as long as there are no athletic or school day programs taking place.

 

> The high school stadium and Santacroce will be available to the public after school hours as long as there are no athletic or evening programs.

 

The elementary playgrounds, Richland Elementary tennis courts, Pine-Richland High School Stadium & Pine-Richland High School tennis courts will be restricted during school hours but available during the evening hours as long as there are no athletic or school day programs taking place.

 

According to School Board Policy 713, vehicles traveling on district property should utilize designated public roadways. If traveling to Pine-Richland High School, visitors should enter and exit via Warrendale Road and not via Logan Road.  Vehicles should only be on the property for school-related matters during operational hours. Drivers should follow posted speed limit signs at all times with special caution during arrival and dismissal.

Last year, the district installed bicycle racks near the middle and high school campuses.  Students are permitted to ride their bicycles to these racks and lock them during the school day.  A new, safe walking/biking trail (See image.) was paved this weekend that connects the Pine Trail to our high school campus.  Students must use the designated bike/walking paths only and never ride on or near our parking lots or automobile routes.

Although we understand the desire of some people to walk their pets on campus and bring their pets to sporting events, pets on campus are prohibited unless a person is being supported by a service animal with proper documentation. Our policy defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or any other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.  

 

Tobacco and tobacco-like products are prohibited in all areas of our campuses, both inside and outside of the buildings. In our policy, tobacco use is defined as use and/or possession of a lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, and pipe; other lighted smoking products; electronic cigarette; smokeless tobacco in any form; and tobacco-related items/devices. Electronic cigarette refers to any device that provides vapor from liquid nicotine, and/or other substances, which is inhaled to simulate smoking tobacco. The term shall include any such devices, whether they are manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, vaporizers, or under any other product name or descriptor.

 

Friday nights also provide opportunities for community members and families to spend time together cheering and catching up. On any given night, we can have more than 3,500 people in attendance. This weekend is extra special as we celebrate homecoming with our students and alumni. 

 

With safety and security always in mind, we want to share a few important reminders for all of our after-school events. As outlined in Board Policy #904, the use of tobacco and possession and use of controlled substances, alcohol, and weapons are prohibited on school premises. In addition, the board has the authority to prohibit the attendance of any individual whose conduct may constitute a disruption to the school event.

 

If a spectator has concerns in this area, he or she may direct those concerns to a member of the district staff working the event for further action. The health, safety, and welfare of students and the general public is a significant responsibility for K-12 public school districts. Based on the circumstance, local law enforcement may be notified. We have a strong partnership with the Northern Regional Police Department (NRPD). A team of officers is always in attendance throughout campus on Friday nights.

 

Also, spectators should be aware that outside coolers are not permitted to be brought into an event. Concession stands and/or water fountains are available. Exceptions, due to medical needs or special circumstances, should be discussed with the site manager of the event. Bags should be limited. Clear, transparent bags are recommended. Only service animals are permitted on campus. Please refer to our Policy #718 for service animal guidelines.

 

We appreciate the cooperation of the community as the district balances the public use of property with providing a safe and secure learning environment for all.