Dear CA Families,
Thank you for your patience and understanding this morning as we responded to an activation of the alarm system during morning arrival and the subsequent early dismissal. We are so proud of the way our staff and students followed emergency protocols and adapted to a changing situation. Chief Gladu of the Chester Fire Department was on scene within minutes and immediately entered the building to assess the situation. The Fire Department eventually determined that the sprinkler system had suddenly lost pressure which triggered the alarm. Because the system would not hold pressure, we were told that we could not utilize the building. At approximately 9:10 AM, we contacted the bus company to recall our buses and sent messaging regarding the early dismissal. With permission from the Chester Fire Department, we relocated students into the cafeteria and gymnasium as we prepared for early dismissal.
In an emergency situation, our first priority is the preservation and protection of lives. To this end, our response will always be to ensure that the building/scene is clear and that all staff and students are in a safe location where accounting can take place. Messaging comes as soon as possible. We are actively reflecting on our response to determine how we can improve, but we also want to recognize all that went well. There were so many amazing things that happened today, from older students comforting and engaging with younger students on buses as they waited to unload to our incredible staff who demonstrated flexibility, calm, and kindness.
Technicians have been at school since midday working on the sprinkler system. They determined that the loss of pressure was due to a hole in a pipe that feeds into the system, and I was just notified that the problem has been successfully resolved. The system was tested and is back in working order. It’s good to know that our alarm system alerted us to this potentially dangerous situation immediately so that we could keep everyone safe and repair the issue.
We are pleased to let you know that we are
clear to have school in session tomorrow, and we look forward to welcoming our students and staff back to school in the morning.
Thank you again for your support. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
Sarah Muncey, Principal & your CA Leadership Team