Dear Harbor Families,

Today’s letter will take a more serious tone than usual, but it’s a topic I know you will agree is extremely important. Returning from spring break following the most recent school shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, school safety and security continues to be foremost in our minds. As we  process yet another horrific tragedy, I wanted to share information about our strict security measures at Harbor.

We are fortunate that our landlords and neighbors at Har Shalom are vigilant about security, with several layers of visible and invisible systems to ensure strong security protocols and we work regularly with them to ensure that our practices remain as strong as possible:

• Building Entry - To access the Harbor classrooms, there are two access points that require key fobs, which are assigned specifically to individuals working at the school. Guest entry is carefully monitored by the front desk personnel.

• Video Surveillance and Police Presence -  The entire building and grounds is monitored with video surveillance, both at the front desk and remotely. Police are present during certain times of the week when larger synagogue services occur or more often on occasion.

• Classroom Security - The doors of each classroom are equipped with a one touch lock that can be enabled quickly from the inside. 

• Training and Practice - Harbor teachers, and all employees of the Sherman Early Childhood Center and Har Shalom, undergo training at the beginning of each school year to address situational awareness and response to emergency situations. Twice a year, teachers practice lockdown procedures with students (keeping explanations developmentally appropriate and minimal).

• Invisible Measures - In addition, Har Shalom maintains other invisible security measures as additional layers of security.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. This is a topic that we spend considerable time with at Harbor and Har Shalom, and we would be grateful for feedback or questions from the community.

Warm regards,

Leah Musico
Head of School