School Open Friday, December 3

Dear St. Clare of Montefalco School families,
 
We are all painfully aware of the Oxford High School tragedy. Late last night I was made aware that the Grosse Pointe Public School System was closing for the day today. Their schools will reopen on Monday. They are not closing due to specific threats to their schools, but are closing out of concern of chatter in general social media. 
 
I spoke with the Grosse Pointe Park Police multiple times last night and early this morning. Our Catholic preschool thru grade eight school has had no threats made against it. Our young people have not displayed anxious behavior the last two days while at school about the Oxford tragedy. After speaking with the police and the Archdiocese of Detroit, I remain committed to keeping our school open today. 
 
We are a religious school that is a school of great diversity. Our commitment is to our faith first. St. Clare of Montefalco is a safe haven for our young people. They take comfort in being together and that comfort is to be acknowledged. Closing the school would create unnecessary fear for our children.
 
Precautionary measures will be taken in the school today to assure extra security. Your children will go directly to their classrooms instead of waiting outside this morning. Recess will be a special movie day held inside the classrooms. Our red metal locks which secure our entry doors from the inside, will be on the doors all day. They are easy to remove in case of an emergency. The Grosse Pointe Park Police will have a car present at entry and dismissal times. They will keep us on their radar throughout the day.
 
We are thankful that students, parents, and staff inform us of concerning situations that require our attention. We investigate those situations and communicate always with the necessary authorities. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. We focus on this together during this heightened time of awareness. As stated earlier, we have no threats reported at the school. We will continue forward with our in person school day.
 
God’s watchful eye over us wished today,
 
Ms. Ann K. Crowley