On Tuesday, April 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Unionville High School (UHS) campus, Charles F. Patton Middle School campus and Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) office will be closed as the school district participates in an active threat exercise. 

This planned exercise is an effort to ensure the district’s emergency preparedness. 

“The safety of our students and staff is our district’s first priority,” said UCFSD Superintendent Dr. John Sanville. “We are lucky to live in a community that cares about one another– and we are committed to acting quickly and confidently in the event of any emergency.” 

According to Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Daniel Steele, there is no substitute for hands-on training. “These exercises test the mental and physical preparedness of police officers and partner first responders,” he said. 

In addition to UCFSD administrators and UHS staff, participants will include the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, Pennsylvania State Police, Longwood Fire Company, Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company and more. 

Longwood Fire Company community relations director Gabrielle Ratliff added that “Preparedness is the bedrock of any emergency response. A strong partnership is an essential part of that preparedness, and we are lucky to have that with UCFSD. Coordination puts everyone in a position of strength during an emergency.” 

UHS Principal Amy Jenkins said that she is deeply grateful for the school’s staff and its public safety partners. “The relationships we have help us create a positive culture and climate every day, not just in our greatest times of need,” she said. 

A pre-scheduled day of staff professional development, no school activities are in session for students. 

At this time, UCFSD wishes to assure the community that there is no need for alarm should they see first responder vehicles on its campuses. 

Feedback from the exercise will be used to deliver follow-on professional development to all key stakeholders, including UCFSD staff.