As a district, we have made substantial safety improvements in recent years and continuously evaluate and consider additional measures as necessary. Here are many of the proactive steps the district has taken:
- All exterior doors are locked after student arrival
- Installed secure vestibules with a buzz-in entry into the main office
- Require employee prox-cards for building entry
- Applied protective security film over windows
- Installed building lockdown buttons and an entire district lockdown button
- Upgraded alarm systems with sounds and flashing alerts
- Installed internal and external cameras throughout the district
- ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training for all staff/students
- We employ three highly trained, retired police offices
- Two are SRO’s (School Resource Officers)
- One is our Director of Transportation
These retired officers provide an extra set of eyes for security issues and build relationships with students. Those relationships are critical to helping make students feel they can share things they have heard or seen.
In addition, they maintain professional relationships with our local law enforcement agencies and can quickly assist in providing information to help with any investigations. They conduct mandatory safety drills at each building and train staff and students to be prepared for emergencies. After any incident, they review how the systems worked and identify any gaps where improvements are needed.
For example, starting today, the high school implemented new rules in response to recent events. They include having all students enter in the morning through the front main entrance and the athletic lobby doors and having staff at the entrances to monitor the start of the day. Students are also encouraged to keep their student identifications with them throughout the day. Our bus drivers will also be taking attendance at stops where more than one household is boarding.
We will inform you anytime there is a credible threat at our buildings. We will also provide you with as much information as possible, but recognize that we cannot release details many times due to an ongoing investigation.
I know these times can create stress and anxiety. I encourage students to talk with teachers or counselors at school, and for parents to notify us if they know their child may need additional support. Below are some online resources for parents to use at home as well:
- Scholastic: Talking with Kids About School Violence and Trauma
- Child Mind Institute: Trauma and Grief
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) website
- Non-specific safety conversations may be more appropriate for younger children, and resources found on the John Hopkins site for K-2 grade and 3-5 grade may be helpful for parents who would like to have these conversations at home.
Lastly, I want to thank our local law enforcement agencies for the immediate and excellent services they provide to our district. I also want to thank our students, staff, parents, and community for continuing to support TK Schools. Together, we are TK Strong.
Sincerely,
Craig McCarthy
Superintendent
Thornapple Kellogg Schools