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Superintendent's Message 5-27-22

Some of you may recall that the Orange County Grand Jury released a report on school safety back in 2018. We were in compliance with just about every recommendation in the report including security fencing, closed campuses, single or limited points of entry, classroom door locks, safety lighting, security cameras and many other important areas. 

Where we needed to improve was campus visitations. To address this important area we changed how parents and other visitors enter our schools, which must be through our front offices and only after being "buzzed" in through locked doors. We made sure that all student points of entry are monitored. We developed a Visitation Policy that was approved by our Board of Trustees. In the very near future we will begin using Raptor (instant background checks) for all visitors. The Orange County Grand Jury Report on School Safety can be found here:

https://www.ocgrandjury.org/pdfs/2017_2018_GJreport/2018-07-16-Magnolia_School_District.pdf

We have added an emergency telephone system that immediately notifies the Principal and Office if and when a 911 call is made from any extension. We continue to practice our emergency lockdown procedures and all students and staff are trained and know what to do when a lockdown is ordered.

We continue to work closely with the Anaheim Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies and community partners to keep our schools safe.

The morning after the tragedy in Texas we sent out resources to all of our Administrators, School Psychologists, Social Workers and Crisis Response Team members. The resources are listed below:

Tips for discussing the tragedy with children:

We understand that the tragedy in Texas is heartbreaking and can lead to fears about safety. We know events like these can impact the physical and mental well-being of our students, families and staff. We want to assure you that Magnolia School District is committed to the safety of our schools and well-being of our community. Whatever you or your family are experiencing, we want you to know that you are not alone and that support is available at school and in our community. If you or someone you know needs help, below are some resources to help you or your family member cope with the tragedy.

If your child needs additional support at school, contact the school office to be connected to the school Social Worker, School Psychologist or Administrator. 

If you or a family member would like help finding a mental health care or substance use treatment provider, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential mental health coordination service provided by the Magnolia School District:

  • Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year in any language.
  • Visit https://caresolace.com/site/magnoliasd and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

If you need help with a mental health emergency:

  • Call 911 and request a Crisis Intervention Trained (C.I.T.) response
  • Go to the closest emergency room for support
  • Text “Hello” or “Home” to 741741 to connect with support
  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
    • English: 800-273-TALK
    • Español: 888-628-9454
    • TTYY: 800-799-4889
    • Online chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
    • Trevor Lifeline LGBTQQ+ Crisis Support: 1-866-488-7386

If you have a safety concern:

  • If there is an emergency concern: Call 911
  • If you have a nonemergency concern about school safety contact the school office

All staff members and students have been trained to notify Administrators and/or the Police if they see something suspicious. Please remember that if you see something, say something. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that our schools and facilities are safe and conducive to learning.

Sincerely,

Frank Donavan, Ed.D.
Superintendent