November 2006

Dear Parents,

A safe and secure environment is a major element of any successful school. Central High is concerned and takes the safety of our students very seriously. We constantly take a great deal of precautions to maximize safety. We have one school entrance on Olney Avenue, with required metal detectors and scanners. Our students are required to carry a picture school ID with their roster and trained staff is assigned throughout the building. Our entire staff works together as a team to ensure a school climate conducive to teaching and learning.

Central students live in every section of Philadelphia and travel to school using a variety of transportation options. Some students leave home before dawn and arrive home after dark due to extra-curricular sports, clubs or tutoring. Please discuss the following safety tips with your student regardless of the method of travel. They are a necessary guide to keep our students as safe as possible.

• Students using public transportation or walking are urged to travel in pairs or in a group whenever possible.
• Utilize buses that travel directly from Ogontz and Olney Avenues to Broad Street.
• Cross streets only at the corner and pay attention to the traffic lights. Many school buses use entrances on both Olney and Ogontz Aves. They are on a timed schedule, be courteous and allow them to pass.
• Stay in well lit and populated areas.
• Keep jewelry and electronic equipment concealed.
• Money should be kept in a pocket and large sums should not be carried. Have a token or cash available so you do not have to go searching through pockets or handbags to pay for the subway or bus.
• Be aware! Keep your eyes and ears open.
• When driving, keep your doors locked.
• Stay in your car and/or do not roll down windows unless presented with proper identification.
• Keep your car in good condition including gas.
• Report anything of a suspicious nature to School Police Officers and administration immediately.

We have received several concerns from citizens in the community and drivers on Olney and Ogontz Aves regarding safety for both students and drivers. During peak times, morning (7:40-8:10) and afternoon (3:04-3:30) students should cross the street at the corner and vehicles should drive at 15 miles per hour. Double parking is not permitted on either side of Ogontz Ave. Central is working together with School District officials and Philadelphia Police Officers to direct the flow of traffic and monitor our students’ safety. The School District and Philadelphia Police have added additional personnel to the Olney Avenue corridor during the afternoon to help meet these needs.

We will continue to take every precaution to ensure a safe and secure environment for our staff, students and parents. If you have any further concerns you would like to address, please feel free to contact Ms. Betof. Your involvement, support, and guidance are most necessary to help our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sheldon Pavel Jackie Betof Lori Matijkiw

President Assistant Principal Home and School President