The safety and welfare of our students and staff are our highest priority.Throughout the year, schools perform various safety drills including fire, bus evacuation, severe weather, building evacuation and lockdown. All schools conduct lockdown drills during which students and staff practice emergency procedures. These lockdown procedures are evaluated for improvements after each drill.
To ensure schools are prepared to proactively handle the threat of an intruder or active shooter, all principals and teachers have been trained in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). Beginning March 2018, students and staff will participate inALICE drills together to practice the tools and knowledge to respond and escape in the event of an active shooter.
Q: What is ALICE and ALICE training?
A: As part of the district’s ongoing commitment to student and staff safety, a new drill called ALICE is being implemented district-wide PreK-12. Full implementation will be completed by spring 2019. The goal of ALICE training is to teach students and teachers strategies that will increase the chances that our staff and students survive if a terrible circ*mstance such as an armed intruder ever were to occur. This training encourages staff and students to respond based on their situation. During ALICE training, staff and students are trained in different options for responding to a school intruder who is intent on doing harm. In certain circ*mstances, the “lock the door and hide” strategy might be appropriate. In some cases, the teacher and students might take precautions to barricade the entrance(s) of the classroom. Under certain conditions, it might be the best decision for the teacher and students to evacuate the building.
Q: What does ALICE stand for? What does each word really mean?
A.L.I.C.E. is an acronym that stands for:
ALERT: Get the word out that a threat exists
LOCKDOWN: Secure a place to stay as much as possible as a starting point to buy time.
INFORM: Give constant, real-time information throughout the building using all available technology.
COUNTER: This is a last resort. Individuals are unable to escape. Countering may be as simple as creating a distraction to allow opportunities to escape.
EVACUATE: The goal is to move students out of the danger zone. It’s important to be prepared to escape.
Q: Are teachers and staff expected to follow ALICE in order? Are you supposed to Alert, then Lockdown, then inform?
A: ALICE is not intended to be a checklist of things to do. It is a list of choices, with accompanying strategies that are options for our staff to help themselves and students stay safe in the highly unlikely event of an armed intruder. Some may choose to evacuate and some may choose to lockdown and barricade. Others may be forced to counter if an armed intruder is able to enter the space they are in. ALICE trains people to know they have choices in an emergency situation.
Q: Why is ALICE training being implemented?
A: We believe that all PPS schools are the safest place for our students to be. Just like practicing what we should do in a fire with our monthly fire drills, we want to be sure that students and staff are prepared and know what to do if an armed intruder enters a school. All our schools are equipped with a number of safeguards, some seen and others unseen, to keep our students safe. In addition, since we know that violence has become all too frequent in our world, the strategies and mental preparation we use in ALICE preparation are transferable to any public venue our students may find themselves in where a crisis may occur. We have to come to the realization that a violent intruder event can happen anytime, any place and for any reason. There is a new standard-of-care which emphasizes the need for proactive, options-based, strategies, which means that we have a responsibility to those in our care and employment to do all we can to prepare them for this rare event, not only in our location but wherever they may find themselves. The federal government recommendations, as well as major law enforcement associations, support these strategies. ALICE Training is the model upon which these official recommendations were built.
Q: What does it mean to “counter”?
A: The main intent of Counter is to distract the intruder, not try to physically take on the intruder. An example of Counter would be to throw objects at an intruder for a distraction. Being passive or static has typically not shown to be an effective response to most Active Shooter events. There are examples of recent events of school violence where the difference between passive and active responses determined survival chances. A different approach is needed to help keep our students and staff safe. Confronting a violent intruder should never be required in any non-law enforcement job description. How each staff member chooses to respond if directly confronted by a violent intruder is a personal choice.
Q: How will parents be notified if their child’s school is experiencing a real emergency?
A: Notification will be sent out using all methods of school district communication, including a phone call from our robo call system, website updates, media alerts, and social media. Families are encouraged to check with their child’s school to make sure their emergency contact information is up to date. In the event of a true emergency, all emergency contacts will be called.
Q: How will we know my child will be safe after the emergency?
A: In the event of a full evacuation, children would be transported to safe evacuation sites off of school grounds where they will be reunited with parents. Parents will be informed about these locations through direct communication.
Q: Have School Police, administrators, teachers and school staff practiced scenarios and possibilities for an active shooter situation?
A: The District’s school police officers have been trained in the ALICE Protocol and several are certified as ALICE trainers. All staff has received training in the ALICE protocol. The training included different scenarios and drills that imitated an Active Shooter situation. Staff will share what they have learned with our students in an age-appropriate way, and teach them the ALICE procedures through the course of the year.
Q: Where can I go for more information about ALICE?
A: The ALICE training institute guides the District in our training approach. Additional information is available at their website https://www.alicetraining.com/our-program/alice-training/k12-education/. If you have specific questions, regarding your child’s school, please contact your school principal.
Q: Since parents do not participate in safety drills they often find themselves curious about drill procedures. How do you recommend parents learn about how drills are conducted?
A: It is our recommendation that parents engage in age-appropriate conversation with their child or children following all safety drills. Should a parent have a specific question please contact your child’s principal.
Q: Students readiness for this information varies based on age. How will this be communicated to students in age-appropriate ways?
A: We want our children to be prepared for everything, including if an unsafe person was to enter our school. Administrators, student services staff, and teachers will take the principles and tactics taught in the ALICE training and present the information in non-fearful, empowering ways. We will take into account a children’s developmental readiness to ensure that students feel safe and have opportunities to talk about their feelings and reactions. For students in grade Prek-5, we plan to use the ALICE Training children’s book, “I’m not Scared…I’m Prepared” and the associated classroom workbook for teachers.
Q: Should I talk with my child about the ALICE training in advance?
The decision to talk with your child about the ALICE training in advance is advised. As with any drill (fire, evacuation, lockdown), it is important that your child knows the importance of listening to their teacher during a drill or an actual emergency. Ultimately, the decision is up to each individual parent. As a parent, you know your child best. It’s important to be calm and keep any information very simple.\
Q: Should I talk with my child at home after the training?
As a parent, you know your child best. Children may want to process what they learned or ask questions. Older students may be interested in talking about what they would do in an emergency situation. Follow your child’s lead and keep the opportunities to talk openly.
Q: What if my child asks a question about this procedure and I don’t know how to answer it?
School guidance counselors and your child’s teacher are good resources. You can say that you’re not sure, but it’s a good question and you’ll help find an answer. You may encourage an older child to ask their teacher because other students may have the same question and ask them to be sure to share the answer with you.
FAQs
As of the 2021–2022 school year, the district operates 54 schools with 4,192 employees (2,070 teachers) and 20,350 students, and has a budget of $668.3 million.
Is there school tomorrow Pittsburgh? ›
No active Closings & Delays. When there are active school closings, you can find the most up-to-date list of closings & delays here. As schools are reported closed, they will be added to this list.
What is good school district in Pittsburgh? ›
What is at the top of the list of best school districts in Pittsburgh? You're looking at the North Allegheny School District! There are 8,499 students there between grades K-12. Roughly 71% of these students are proficient in mathematics, and 86% of these students are proficient in reading.
Does Pittsburgh have good education? ›
82% of all K-12 students in Pittsburgh, PA are educated in public schools compared to the PA state average of 87%. Pittsburgh has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Pennsylvania.
Is Pittsburgh PA red or blue? ›
Other urban areas, such as Pittsburgh, Erie, Harrisburg, Allentown, and Scranton lean Democratic as well. Like most states, Pennsylvania's rural areas tend to be more conservative and support Republicans.
What percent white is Pittsburgh? ›
Table
| Population | |
|---|
| Persons 65 years and over, percent | 15.0% |
| Female persons, percent | 51.0% |
| Race and Hispanic Origin | |
| White alone, percent | 66.4% |
54 more rowsNo delays or closings.
How many GREY days are in Pittsburgh? ›
PITTSBURGH — Why is the Steel City so grey? According to the National Center for Environmental Information, Pittsburgh averages 59 clear days per year and 306 cloudy days.
What is Pittsburgh Pa known for? ›
Pittsburgh is known both as "the Steel City" for its more than 300 steel-related businesses and as the "City of Bridges" for its 446 bridges. The city features 30 skyscrapers, two inclined railways, a pre-revolutionary fortification and the Point State Park at the confluence of the rivers.
Is living in Pittsburgh worth it? ›
The thing that this city is most renowned for, amongst other things, is the fact that it offers a high standard of living in relation to a low cost of living. In addition, the amenities offered to residents in Pittsburgh are of a very high quality, which further contributes to the good quality of life.
Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Pittsburgh!
- Lawrenceville.
- Shadyside.
- Squirrel Hill North.
- Stanton Heights.
- Swisshelm Park.
Check out these five safe, family-friendly neighborhoods in Pittsburgh!
- Brookline.
- Highland Park.
- Point Breeze.
- Regent Square.
- Squirrel Hill North.
Pittsburgh is an affordable city, attracting many people from other areas of the United States. According to BestPlaces estimates, the cost of living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is 12.5% lower than the national average and 7.5% lower than the state average.
Is Pittsburgh an up and coming city? ›
A rise in job opportunities has made Pittsburgh an attractive place for families and graduates. Pittsburgh also offers a cheaper housing market than other large cities. Its old blue-collar reputation is being replaced and the quality of life continues to improve with new industries that make Pittsburgh home.
Is Pittsburgh or Penn State Better? ›
Penn State ranks higher in academics than Pitt.
Penn State ranks 63rd in the U.S. News and World Report's 2022 Best National Universities, which is way higher than Pitt.
What kind of accent does Pittsburgh have? ›
The Distinctive Sounds of Pittsburgh The dialect of the early Scottish-Irish settlers still infuses the “Midland” dialect of the Pittsburgh area with unique words and sounds.
Is Pittsburgh LGBT friendly? ›
From a vibrant arts and culture scene, outdoor adventures, rich history, a fantastic food scene and so much more – you'll find plenty of welcoming and inclusive things to see and do.
Is Pittsburgh a rich city? ›
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Turns out the Pittsburgh area is home to Pennsylvania's richest town, according to a new study. In a new study done by 24/7 Wall St., the Pittsburgh suburb Edgeworth has a household income of more than $150,000. That's nearly triple the state average of $54,895. 24/7 Wall St.
Why are people moving to Pittsburgh? ›
Otherwise known as “The City of Bridges” and “Steel City,” Pittsburgh, PA offers residents affordable housing options, a vibrant arts and culture scene, an opportunity to be a part of one of the most loyal fan bases in the sports world, and much more.
What state is the whitest state? ›
Source: United States census bureau. White Americans constitute the majority of the 332 million people living in the United States, with 61.6% of the population in the 2020 United States Census.
...
White Americans of one race or alone from 2000 to 2020.
| State | Alaska |
|---|
| 2010 | Pop. 2010 | 473,576 |
|---|
| % 2010 | 66.7% |
|---|
| 2020 | Pop | 435,392 |
|---|
| 59.4% |
|---|
24 more columnsGrowing America, shrinking Pittsburgh: City population falls 2.6 percent since 2000.
Is Juneteenth a day off in PA? ›
According to the Pew Research Center, 24 states, including Ohio and West Virginia, have legislatively made Juneteenth an official paid state holiday. In Pennsylvania, while it is an official state holiday, Gov.
Are public schools closed tomorrow in Philadelphia? ›
No Closings at this time.
Are schools closed today UK? ›
No schools are closed today.
What is the gloomiest city in America? ›
1. Anchorage, AK. With an average of over 230 cloudy days per year, Anchorage is the gloomiest city in the United States. This high number of cloudy days actually means that Anchorage spends about 65% of every year under clouds.
What is the gloomiest state? ›
The south coast of Alaska leads the way as the cloudiest region of the United States.
...
Days of Heavy Cloud.
| Location | Days a Year With Heavy Cloud | % of Days |
|---|
| Mt. Washington, New Hampshire | 244 | 67 |
| Astoria, Oregon | 239 | 65 |
| Quillayute, Washington | 239 | 65 |
| Olympia, Washington | 228 | 62 |
6 more rowsThese records were observed at Pittsburgh International Airport and go back to 1948. The highest temperature measured during that time was 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39 Celsius) on July 16, 1988.
Is Pittsburgh a fun city to live in? ›
Pittsburgh is in Allegheny County and is one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. Living in Pittsburgh offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Pittsburgh there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
What do you call someone from Pittsburgh? ›
Pittsburghers are sometimes called Yinzers, and the word is unique to the region. But that doesn't mean everyone says it all the time, and it's not used like “y'all” is used in the South.
Why is it called the Strip District Pittsburgh? ›
The Name. "The Strip," as locals call it, is just that – a narrow strip (one-half mile) of land between the Allegheny River and a mountain of a hill.
To top it off, Pittsburgh residents are frequently described as friendly and welcoming. Pittsburgh locals also maintain a real sense of community throughout the city's 90 different neighborhoods. After all, nothing brings people together like good times, good food, and sports — three things Pittsburgh has in droves.
What should I know before moving to Pittsburgh? ›
13 Things to Know Before Moving to Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh is having a moment. ...
- Driving in Pittsburgh takes some getting used to. ...
- Your Uber might be automated in Pittsburgh. ...
- It's a beer town. ...
- The cost of living in Pittsburgh is low. ...
- Yinz. ...
- Pittsburgh is a city of bridges. ...
- There are world-class museums in Pittsburgh.
Living Wage Calculation for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
| 1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (1 WORKING) |
|---|
| 0 Children | 2 Children |
|---|
| Living Wage | $16.47 | $35.67 |
| Poverty Wage | $6.19 | $12.74 |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 | $7.25 |
The Hill District is a grouping of historically African American neighborhoods in the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Beginning in the years leading up to World War I, "the Hill" was the cultural center of black life in the city and a major center of jazz.
What is a nice suburb of Pittsburgh? ›
1. Hampton Township. Hampton Township tops our list of best Pittsburgh suburbs. Located about 13 miles north of Pittsburgh, this community has it all: great safety ratings, a strong education system and plenty of urban amenities.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Pittsburgh? ›
North Charleroi
#1 Suburbs with the Lowest Cost of Living in Pittsburgh Area.
Where do wealthy live in Pittsburgh? ›
With high rankings in nearly every category Pittsburgh Magazine measured, Edgeworth edges out other posh Pittsburgh communities to earn the title of Best Affluent Suburb. The borough attracts a fair share of millionaires, with Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby as its most famous resident.
Is it better to rent or buy in Pittsburgh? ›
In Allegheny County, it remains more affordable to buy compared to renting, but either choice takes less out of the monthly budget than in virtually any other major city. Renting in the region consumes about 23.7% of monthly pay, while buying comes in at 20.1%.
What is the minimum wage in Pittsburgh? ›
The state's minimum wage is $7.25. While Gov. Tom Wolf wants an increase to $12 dollars and ultimately $15, the Republican-controlled legislature has never approved an increase.
Does Pittsburgh have high taxes? ›
The minimum combined 2022 sales tax rate for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is 7%. This is the total of state, county and city sales tax rates. The Pennsylvania sales tax rate is currently 6%. The County sales tax rate is 1%.
Pittsburgh is a convenient, affordable place to live and work—with a cost of living 7% lower than the national average, a reasonable median home price of $259,900, and median monthly rent of $1,427. The city also has a range of top-notch companies in the education, technology, healthcare, and steel industries.
Should I live in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia? ›
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are both cities with plenty to offer. Residents of Philadelphia will enjoy the city's urban atmosphere, handy public transit, and rich cultural institutions. On the other hand, Pittsburgh provides a more relaxed feel with beautiful parks, quaint shopping districts, and a slower pace of life.
How prestigious is Pittsburgh University? ›
University of Pittsburgh's 2022-2023 Rankings
University of Pittsburgh is ranked #62 out of 443 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. See how this school scored on the key indicators used in the rankings.
Is Pittsburgh cheaper than New York? ›
The cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA is -47.6% lower than in New York, NY. You would have to earn a salary of $31,432 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Pittsburgh, PA typically pay -18.1% less than employers in New York, NY.
How does Pittsburgh rank as a city? ›
Pittsburgh finds itself ranked ninth in the Top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability.com. The ranks are determined by research into relocation trends, economic variables, and quality of life factors.
How many public high schools are there in Pittsburgh? ›
Pittsburgh School District contains 13 high schools.
How many public schools are in Allegheny County? ›
For the 2022-23 school year, there are 269 public schools serving 138,722 students in Allegheny County, PA (there are 179 private schools, serving 24,683 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Allegheny County, PA are educated in public schools compared to the PA state average of 87%.
How many schools are in Pitt County Schools? ›
Overview of Pitt County Schools
Pitt County Schools contains 38 schools and 23,312 students. The district's minority enrollment is 70%.
Is Pittsburgh a Big 10 school? ›
The University of Pittsburgh is one of the 60 members of the prestigious American Association of Universities, just as all of the other 11 Big Ten schools are, so academics play as vital role as well.
...
| Northern Division | Southern Division |
|---|
| Northwestern | Ohio State |
| Wisconsin | Indiana |
| Minnesota | Purdue |
| Iowa | Illinois |
2 more rowsPittsburgh had 14.6 average years of education, tied for 38th among all cities. Its 23.2% with graduate/professional degrees ranked 41st.
What Is Pittsburgh Best Known For? The city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has long been known for the steel industry since the Gilded Age, thanks to industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and George Westinghouse.
Does Pittsburgh have a teacher shortage? ›
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pennsylvania has a teacher shortage that could impact schools this fall and in years to come, and it cuts across all different kinds of school districts.
Why is Pittsburgh's population declining? ›
Demographic trends in the Pittsburgh region continue to be impacted by natural population decline – which is the result of a greater number of deaths than births each year – with additional population losses due to domestic migration, the movement of population within the United States.
What is the biggest school district in Pittsburgh? ›
Pittsburgh Public Schools, of course, remains the largest school district in the region by a wide margin. PPS's budget of about $666 million is more than three and a half times the next-largest district, North Allegheny, at $183 million. PPS has just over 20,000 students, compared to North Allegheny's 8,500.
What is the best school district in Allegheny County PA? ›
North Allegheny School District
#1 Best School Districts in Allegheny County.
What County in PA has the best schools? ›
Bucks County
#1 Counties with the Best Public Schools in Pennsylvania.
What is the number 1 school district in PA? ›
Is Penn State or Pitt school better? ›
Penn State ranks higher in academics than Pitt.
Penn State ranks 63rd in the U.S. News and World Report's 2022 Best National Universities, which is way higher than Pitt.
Is Pittsburgh a smart city? ›
The City of Pittsburgh has emerged as a leader in the field of Smart Cities.
Is Pittsburgh a big or small city? ›
The city anchors the Pittsburgh metropolitan area of Western Pennsylvania; its population of 2.37 million is the largest in both the Ohio Valley and Appalachia, the second-largest in Pennsylvania, and the 27th-largest in the U.S. It is the principal city of the greater Pittsburgh–New Castle–Weirton combined statistical ...
Acceptance Rate: Northwestern is not just the smallest school in the Big Ten—it is also by far the most selective. You're going to need high grades and standardized test scores to get in. Michigan is also highly selective, especially for a public institution.
