Prevention, Awareness and Reporting

A crisis can occur at any time, and it is unlikely that any school will escape the necessity of responding to a significant crisis, ranging from severe weather to a man-made event. A crisis can impact a single school, the entire school district, or, as the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks demonstrated, the entire nation.

Our comprehensive approach to school safety places a strong emphasis on prevention, using strategies which range from establishing communication procedures with local emergency management, building design, student management policies, and programs which improve school climate. Crisis management is that part of the district’s approach to school safety which anticipates potential problems and establishes a coordinated response to minimize stress and disruptions in the school district; thus, it is both prevention and management. It is not possible, however, to anticipate all events.

Staff, students and parents all have an important role in promoting school safety by being aware of things around you, online and in your community as well as following procedures and reporting concerns. We believe it is important to balance sufficient building security with a healthy, nurturing, school environment.