Good Morning Salem Family,

In light of recent events, our School Board Chairman and I wanted to share the following message with parents about chapel and school security:

At Salem, the safety and well-being of your children are always our top priorities. We understand that entrusting your child to us means you expect not only an excellent education but also a secure environment where they can grow spiritually, socially, and academically. To that end, we have made our safety protocols, especially during times of school transitions, to ensure your child’s safety at all times. These are not new nor are they taken lightly.

As part of our ongoing commitment to security, we have recently added additional security measures to our primary entrances. We would not like to share what these are to limit the publication of what measures are in place. These enhancements are designed to provide more time for everyone inside the building to find cover and for our emergency response plans to be activated swiftly, should the need arise. These measures ensure we are prepared to respond effectively to any situation, protecting both students and staff.

Our campus remains securely locked during school hours, including chapel, and is protected by a unified security system that covers both the school and the chapel, ensuring that the entire facility is consistently secured. Additionally, staff members are positioned at key entry points to greet and engage with all students and visitors, further enhancing our vigilance.

The number of Salem Members attending chapel is minimal — typically fewer than ten — and any unfamiliar individual would immediately draw attention from our trained staff, who are dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment. While we don’t typically highlight this aspect of our security measures, we also want to reassure you that nearly all of our chapel services are staffed by individuals who are trained in safety protocols. This ensures that we can respond swiftly should an emergency arise.

In addition to these internal measures, we regularly invite our local law enforcement agencies to practice using our building as part of their training. These exercises allow them to familiarize themselves with our school layout and refine their response to a potential crisis. This collaboration with local law enforcement ensures that, in the unlikely event of an emergency, law enforcement is well-prepared to act quickly and effectively.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education and safety. We take this responsibility seriously and will continue to enhance our security measures to create a secure, nurturing environment for your child.

If you have any follow-up questions or concerns, please contact our School Board Chairman, Jonathan Ibisch (jonathan.ibisch@gmail.com) or contact Mr. Klatt (rklatt@salemlutheran.org).

God’s blessings on your day!