September 1, 2008

 Dear Parents and Friends,           

We continue to take all the necessary precautions to ensure the the safety of the students and staff in our schools. Every Commack school has emergency plans that encompass any urgent situation that may arise. Each of our building principals heads an emergency response team, and a course of action for every contingency.  

            This year, as in the past, each school will conduct sheltering drills during the school year.  These sheltering drills, just like our fire drills, bus drills, and go-home-early drills, are necessary so that everyone will know what to do should a real situation occur. Our principals, teachers, and staff will do everything possible to conduct these practice events in a calm and reassuring manner.

           We are all committed to the total well-being and safety of the children in our care.  Although it is important to talk with our children about safety issues, we should not dwell on them.  By focusing on the importance of daily routines and positive accomplishments, we can all move forward toward the successful completion of another school year.   

            In order to be fully prepared, we need your help. It is very important that your child’s school office receive current contact numbers (home, work, cell phones) in case of an early dismissal or emergency situation. You can update that information very easily by filling out the Student Change of Data Form. As always, up-to-the-minute information will be posted on the Commack School District website, http://www.commack.k12.ny.us if an emergency arises, as well as notification through both our Email Notification System and Connect-Ed telephone system. Please make it a priority to update your contact information. In planning for your home security needs in the event of an emergency, we have a wonderful resource available to you on our Ready or Not web page, and a printable guide as well: Commack's Emergency Planning Brochure . In addition, Commack Middle School has been designated as a shelter by the Red Cross in the event of an emergency.          

            As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your child's emotional health, please feel free to contact your school's psychologists, social workers, or counselors. We have a dedicated team of professionals ready and willing to assist you.

                                                                                             Sincerely yours, 

                                                                             James A. Feltman, Ed.D.
                                                                              Superintendent of Schools