Incidents Involving Weapons

December 10, 2025

Dear Families and Staff,

We are writing to proactively inform you about a new legal requirement that will affect how schools across Pennsylvania, including all Lehigh County schools, communicate about safety matters. Pennsylvania Act 44 of 2025 goes into effect on January 5, 2026. This law requires schools to notify parents/guardians and employees whenever staff respond to an incident involving a weapon on school property.

Because of the law’s privacy restrictions, schools are not permitted to share any details beyond the legally approved message. Student safety is our top priority. We recognize that families value accurate information as well as student confidentiality. To protect the privacy rights of students and comply with applicable laws, including FERPA, we are not able to share personally identifiable information about those involved.

We want to proactively inform you in advance why these notifications may be brief and limited. The intent of the law is to give timely notice while protecting student privacy and ensuring districts follow consistent statewide procedures.

In these types of cases our steps will include reviewing the incident in line with district policy and applicable law, not limited to the following:

• Conducting follow-up interviews and detailed documentation.
• Providing necessary support to affected students and staff.
• Taking appropriate disciplinary or remedial action consistent with the Student Code of Conduct and Board policy.
• Conducting a threat assessment, as appropriate.
• Pursuing any appropriate criminal charges in conjunction with district and local law enforcement.

We appreciate your continued partnership in reinforcing the District’s safety and security expectations with your children, such as following staff directions during emergencies, staying aware of their surroundings, and reporting concerns to an adult. These everyday habits make a meaningful difference, and your support at home strengthens the message they receive at school.

Our commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment remains steadfast, and we appreciate your continued support and partnership.  If your child has questions when an incident occurs, please reassure them that our staff and law enforcement will respond quickly and that our school remains safe. If your child needs additional support, please contact their school counselor.

Sincerely,
 

Mark J. Madson, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Parkland School District