From the Principal:

As many of parents and families know the MacArthur School experienced a small, roof fire on Saturday afternoon that was quickly extinguished. For more information about the fire, please either click on the letter from the superintendent above or check your child's backpack on Monday afternoon. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the damage to the building was minimal.

In case you're wondering why the reverse 911 call I made only went out to home phone numbers, I have a response. The automated system that Waltham Public Schools uses has several formats to send out calls. The two most common are "community outreach" and "emergency." On Sunday, I used the community outreach option, which calls each student's home phone numbers. I used the community outreach option since there were no injuries, the building had only minor damage and families had a full day to digest the news.

In the event of a greater emergency - school evacuation, fire or even a lockdown situation - I would use the emergency option, which will call every phone number provided for us - home, cell and work. I have only used this option once in my five years at MacArthur and while it assists in providing timely information, it is my hope that no further emergencies will prompt such a call. 

Finally, as Dr. Nicholson's letter indicates, I am thankful for the many city departments, school personnel and Mayor McCarthy for their prompt response to this situation. I am confident the issue with our solar panels will be solved quickly and more importantly, safely.

Mr. Colannino, January 9, 2012

Monday, January 16 - No school in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Day