SCHOOL SAFETY AT SAINT MARY’S

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This week, the Office of Catholic Schools issued a letter to all families following Monday’s tragedy in Nashville.

As School Safety continues to dominate the headlines, we are providing the following information to remind members of the Saint Mary’s community about the leadership structures and processes that exist to keep our students and parish members as safe as possible.

We are committed to the constant review and improvement of our School Safety and Crisis Management Plan. Anyone wishing to share feedback or support is encouraged to contact Amanda Esparza.

SMCS Crisis Management Team [Updated October 2023]

  • Amanda Esparza, Principal
  • Robyn Dahl, Assistant Principal
  • Lisa Flint, Administrative Assistant to the Principal
  • Anne Leigh Bisese, Admissions Director
  • Katie Botha, Communications Coordinator
  • Carli Simpson, School Nurse
  • Kelly Jones, School Nurse & Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer (Greater Richmond)
  • Anna Borrelli, School Counselor
  • Beth Murray, Instructional Resource Teacher
  • Dawn Slagle, Instructional Resource Teacher

Partnerships, Professional Training & Safety Drills

Our School and Parish are blessed with a strong relationship with members of the Henrico Police Department and the University of Richmond Campus Police who have participated in the audit and design of current School Safety Plans and ongoing Professional Training sessions for faculty and staff members.

School Safety drills are conducted on a regular basis in accordance with diocesan and state requirements. Teachers are provided with resources and required to lead age-appropriate classroom conversations about safety drills and expectations. Families have also been provided with optional discussion resources (in English and Spanish) and are notified when Safety Drills are conducted on campus.

This evening, we are conducting a Self-Defense Workshop for students in Grades 4-8 and will continue to develop safety themed community programming in accordance with demand and resources.

ABOVE: Major Johnson from UR Campus Police and members of his department conducted an active shooter training in late February of this year. This was required training for all members of SMCS Faculty and Staff.
ABOVE: Sergeant Renee Walcott, Officer David Johnson and Major Allen Johnson from the University of Richmond Campus Police Department lead Saint Mary’s students in a self-defense workshop. This simulation showed the importance of walking with cell phones in our pockets and heads held high scanning the environment so that we can be safe and alert at all times.