Dear Oswayo Valley Families,
I am writing to share important information regarding a recent update to the Pennsylvania School Code that affects how schools communicate with families and staff about certain safety matters.
Update to State Law
A new provision, Section 1303.2-A, has been 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 possession of a weapon occurs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity.
How This Will Be Handled in the Oswayo Valley School District
In the event of such an incident, families and staff connected to the specific building where it occurred will receive a phone notification within 24 hours. If the situation takes place on a shared campus, all schools located on that campus will receive the notification, and the message will clearly identify the building involved.
What This Means for Our Community
This change is intended to ensure transparency and timely communication. At the same time, we want to provide information in a responsible manner that does not create unnecessary alarm. For example, a notification may be required in a situation where a student unintentionally brings a small pocketknife to school after forgetting it was in a jacket pocket from the weekend.
As always, safety remains a top priority in the Oswayo Valley School District. We are committed to maintaining a secure, positive, and engaging learning environment for all students. Notifications sent under this requirement will be brief and limited in detail, as we must also adhere to applicable privacy laws. Our administrative team will communicate as promptly and clearly as possible.
Please remember that in the event of a significant safety concern, families will continue to receive immediate communication as appropriate. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our dedicated law enforcement partners who work closely with our schools each day to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting school safety in the Oswayo Valley School District.
Glenn Smith
Superintendent
