March 24, 2023

Dear Allentown School District Learning Community, 

I trust this communication finds you healthy and safe.  Over the course of the past 24 hours, we have had several incidents that have significantly impacted our beloved Allentown. Given the incredible resilience we have shown in the past few months, I have faith that collectively, we can bond together as a community and bring peace, comfort and healing to our hearts and minds.

There will be extensive coverage of these tragic events in the news and on social media for the next few days.  Although these incidents did not occur within our schools, we acknowledge and are sensitive to the members of our Allentown School District family who may have been directly impacted by the recent rash of violence throughout our city.

Anytime these types of tragedies occur that touch us so closely, we are aware that they may lead to heightened anxiety, stress, and hopelessness. However, we are also reminded of how much we value and care for everyone within our Learning Community. We want to reassure you that the physical and emotional safety of our students and staff are our greatest priorities, and we are working with the Allentown Police Department and our Allentown School District’s Safety Team to review our safety policies and protocols. Please be advised that all our schools have Crisis Plans in place to help safeguard them from incidents that may take place within our schools and throughout the greater community. These Crisis Plans are reviewed and updated periodically.

You may have questions about how to address these acts of violence with your child and members of your family or wonder how to cope during this time. Please review Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers, from the National Association of School Psychologists, which contains helpful resources on how to have difficult conversations with students at all levels. 

Additionally, our School Crisis Intervention Teams and District Central Office Intervention Team which include administrators, social workers, school counselors, psychologists and community partners are available to provide support to students and staff during the school day as needed.  

 Please keep in mind that sharing information quickly and effectively is critical to keeping our schools safe. We encourage any member of our community to contact the District’s Anonymous Tip line 24 hour a day at 1-844-SAF2SAY or safe2saypa.org. In cases of emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Thank you for your partnership as we work to ensure a safe, secure, and positive learning environment for our all members of our Learning Community.  If you have any additional questions, please direct them to your school’s principal.

Please remember, We Get Better together! All our strengths are needed!  I am honored to serve you.

Best,

Carol D. Birks, Ed.D.

Superintendent