Dear Parent/Guardian:

I am writing to inform you of a safety drill that occurred at school today, December 18, 2018. In collaboration with the Danvers Police Department and the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, police K-9s were on campus at approximately 8:00 this morning to search student lockers and cars for the presence of illegal substances. The students and staff remained in a stay-in-place for the duration of the drill.  During this time teachers were able to continue their lessons and activities, but students and staff were required to remain in classrooms and offices. During this drill, each officer and K-9 team was escorted by an administrator. The search lasted approximately 30 minutes.

The purpose of bringing the animals on campus is to act as a deterrent for students that may bring illegal substances to school. Our goal is not to get students into trouble but, to help them make better decisions and to protect our school community.

I also sent a phone message home at the start of the drill to help keep you informed about what is happening in school. If you did not receive this phone call please call us at (978) 304-4700 so that we can ensure that we have accurate contact information in Aspen.

Thank you for your time and cooperation. We look forward to working with you in the future to help keep our students safe.

Sincerely

Shannon B. Donnelly
Principal
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School