Message from MVCTC Superintendent Dr. Nick Weldy

02/23/2018

The senseless violence impacting schools across the United States, and most recently in Florida, is concerning to all of us. The cowards who injure innocent students and staff are misguided and they prey on those of us who work together to help improve our world. This rash of violence is something that must be addressed and, although there is no solution that could stop it completely, we must do our part to make a positive impact.

Social media in today’s society is a part of life.  Recently, postings on social media have posed challenges for many area schools.  School districts have had students stressed about school threats made on social media, for schools that are not even in our area.  This is a good reminder that when social media is used inappropriately it can be a significant threat.

What are we doing at MVCTC?

The safety of all students and staff at the MVCTC is a priority. The MVCTC has been proactive in developing ways to improve our campus safety. For example, the district invests in trained safety officers, a full-time safety coordinator, mental health counseling to those in need, access to the safe school hotline for all students, advanced technology when screening visitors, and has recently received voter approval to provide major upgrades to the district’s facilities in order to provide the safest learning environment possible.

The week of February 26, a student survey will be conducted to gather concerns, ideas, and allow us all to develop a plan moving forward to create the safest learning environment possible and to have voices heard.

What to do if you see or hear something?

Report it immediately!  We are committed to providing a safe learning environment for staff and students. One way we can all work together to accomplish this is for you to report concerns that you have. If you have knowledge of or a concern about an offense or an illegal activity you would like to share, please report it at http://www.mvctc.com/current-students/bullying-harassment-safe-school-hotline. The information reported on this link is instantly sent to district administrators, including the Superintendent, and the district’s safety officers so a quick response can occur.

MVCTC prides itself on accepting students from many backgrounds, regardless of gender identity, race, religious beliefs, financial status, political beliefs, etc. In our student surveys, the responses tell us that students choose to attend MVCTC because it is a safe place where they can follow their career passion. MVCTC’s students, teachers, support staff, and administrators all exist on our current campus together and we succeed regardless of our differences, because we CHOOSE to focus on our strengths and similarities. We are more than just a school, we are a family.

Parents

WE NEED YOUR HELP! We strongly encourage you to talk with your child about the dangers of social media. We need our parents to communicate the negative consequences that can arise from using social media in an inappropriate manner, even if the child thinks they are just ‘joking’.  As a school, we can assure you that spreading misinformation or posting anything that can be deemed as a threat will be dealt with quickly and to the full extent of school policy and the law. We appreciate your support and are thankful of the positive relationship that we have with you and your child.