Welcome back and I wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year.
I am writing to inform you of a change in our procedure for visitors in our five schools. Beginning Monday, January 14th, all visitors to Chester Elementary School, Deep River Elementary School, Essex Elementary School, John Winthrop Middle School, and Valley Regional High School will be required to present a license or valid identification while visiting the building during school hours. The front office staff will keep the identification and issue a visitor badge to the visitor to wear while they are in the school. The identification will be returned to the visitor upon completion of their visit. This practice is designed to add an additional layer of safety for our children and staff while they are at school.
As a result of the Newtown tragedy, the Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Region 4 Schools will be conducting a security audit as a part of an ongoing Security Oversight Committee. As always, our main concern is for the safety and well being of our children and staff members.