MASD Important Update - Sept. 15

Dear MASD Parents and Guardians, 

We understand that with recent tragic events, such as the school shooting in Atlanta and other incidents across the country, concerns about school safety are elevated. The safety of our students and staff is a top priority, and we want to reassure you that the Moon Area School District is deeply committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment. 

While there is often an increase in swatting incidents and social media activity following such events—much of which is not credible—we take every potential threat seriously. Last week, schools across the region experienced an uptick in swatting incidents and threats to their schools. While Moon Area was fortunate not to be impacted, we remain vigilant. We have experience with similar incidents in the past and are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively should they occur again. 

We are proud to partner with the Moon Township Police Department, and our district’s School Resource Officers (SROs) are highly trained Moon Police Officers. Our safety team works closely with local and national law enforcement agencies, constantly monitoring social media and other sources to stay informed. We also appreciate your help in keeping our schools safe. If you or your child see something or hear something, please report it to the local police or to a school administrator. This is a crucial part of our collective effort to ensure safety. 

This is also an important time to have conversations with your children about being aware of their surroundings and the discussions they are having with others, particularly on social media. It is crucial that students understand that joking around or exaggerating threats, even in jest, only adds to the anxiety of others and could lead to serious consequences. Please encourage your children to think carefully about their online activity and the impact it has. If they see a concerning message, please remind them to share it with an adult immediately so that it can get reported properly.  

At this time, there are no credible threats to our district. However, we will continue to maintain a strong safety presence and take proactive measures to ensure the well-being of our students and staff. 

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in keeping our schools safe. 

Sincerely,  

Barry J. Balaski 
Superintendent 
Moon Area School District