We hope you are having a great start to 2026!   We are writing to inform you of a recent update to the Pennsylvania School Code regarding weapons violations on school grounds.
 
Section – 1303.2-A – was added to the Pennsylvania School Code of 1949. This section requires all Pennsylvania school entities (including public, nonpublic, and private schools) to notify parents, guardians, and school employees when an incident involving the possession of a weapon occurs on school property or during school-related activities.
 
We will utilize our information management system through ParentSquare or Sapphire to notify parents, guardians, and teachers within 24 business hours of any incident involving section 1303.2-A. 
 
Safety is always a priority as we continue to work every day to foster a positive culture and an engaging learning environment in our schools.  While this new change helps to ensure that families and staff are informed promptly about possession of a weapon on school grounds, we also do not want to create any unnecessary fear or anxiety when communicating such information. 
 
Please know in advance that these messages will only be a brief notification of the possession of a weapon on school grounds and will contain limited details, while also complying with applicable privacy laws.   Families will continue to receive messages in the event of a serious safety issue on our campus. 
 
We are truly grateful to have two well-trained law enforcement officers on site to support our students, teachers, and administrators in our district as well as our partnership with the North East Police and Fire Departments.
 
Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and staff.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Michele S. Hartzell, Superintendent               

Mr. Brian Emick, Assistant to the Superintendent