Evacuation Letter

March 26, 2014

Dear PCA Families:

On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, Smyrna School District received two unspecified bomb threats prompting the evacuation of each school in their district.  PCA Administration kept in contact with the Clayton Police Department throughout the morning.  Although we are not part of the Smyrna School District, around 10:10 A.M. Clayton Police Department contacted PCA Administration and instructed PCA to evacuate all buildings.  PCA did not receive a threat; however, Clayton Police Department initiated this evacuation as a precautionary measure.  Local and State law enforcement agencies arrived on campus shortly after and cleared all buildings. 

Because we are a family, we worked together to ensure all of our students were able to get home safely.  This teamwork enabled the law enforcement agencies to quickly and efficiently clear our buildings.  Today’s events went very smoothly because of our collaboration.  In order to calm any fears our students may have, please take a moment to talk with your child regarding the events and praise them for the way they behaved and followed the direction of our staff.  In PCA’s history, we have only had two early dismissals; consequently this is not a normal occurrence.  Students, parents, teachers, and support staff did an excellent job!  We appreciate all you did. 

We received phone calls and emails with questions regarding the situation.  Just as with any weather delays, closings or early dismissals, the information went out in PCA’s primary modes of communication which are listed in the student handbook.

PCA does not have an automated phone system but uses the State of Delaware Notification system, local media outlets and social media to keep parents informed of closings, delays or early dismissals.  In order to receive a text, phone call, and/or email, please make sure that you sign up for the Department of Education’s school notification system.  In order to receive notifications, please use the following website to register:  https://denotificationservices.bbcportal.com/ .

Thank you for your continued support.   

Sincerely,

Audrey M. Erschen

Head of School