School Safety and Emergency Management
Crisis Intervention
The William Penn School District is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff. As part of our comprehensive crisis intervention plan, we have implemented several measures to prevent, identify, and respond to potential threats or concerns in our schools. These include:
– Safe 2 Say: This is a statewide anonymous tip line that allows anyone to report any information about school safety issues, such as bullying, violence, self-harm, or substance abuse. You can call 1-844-SAF2SAY, use the website www.safe2saypa.org, or download the app on your smartphone. All tips are forwarded to a crisis center and then to the appropriate school officials and law enforcement agencies.
– Safe mail monitoring: This is a software program that scans all incoming and outgoing emails from district accounts for keywords or phrases that may indicate a risk of harm to oneself or others. The program alerts the district’s threat assessment team and the school administration if any concerning messages are detected.
– Threat Assessment Teams: These are multidisciplinary teams of trained staff members in each school building who are responsible for assessing and managing any situations that may pose a threat to the school community. The teams follow a standardized protocol that involves gathering information, evaluating risk factors, developing intervention strategies, and providing support and follow-up.
We encourage all members of the William Penn School District to be proactive and vigilant in reporting any suspicious or concerning behaviors or activities. By working together, we can create a safe and positive learning environment for everyone.
Crisis Management
Navigate 360 contains all emergency drills plans and evacuation plans.
Building Safety and Security
The William Penn School District is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff. One of the ways we ensure safety is by conducting regular drills to prepare for different types of emergencies. These drills include:
– Fire drills: These are conducted monthly to practice safe evacuation in case of a fire or smoke hazard. Students and staff must follow the instructions of the fire alarm and the teachers, and exit the building quickly and orderly through the designated routes.
– Lock Down Drills: These are conducted periodically to practice locking down the classrooms and offices in case of an intruder or a threat inside the building. Students and staff must follow the instructions of the intercom and the teachers, and stay quiet and out of sight until the all-clear signal is given.
– Security Drills: These are conducted occasionally to practice securing the perimeter of the building in case of an external threat or a suspicious activity. Students and staff must follow the instructions of the intercom and the teachers, and remain inside the building until the all-clear signal is given.
– Shelter Place Drills: These are conducted as needed to practice sheltering in place in case of a severe weather event or a hazardous material spill. Students and staff must follow the instructions of the intercom and the teachers, and move to the designated areas within the building where they can be protected from potential harm.
– Emergency Evacuation Drills: These are conducted as required to practice evacuating to an off-site location in case of a major emergency that makes the building unsafe or inaccessible. Students and staff must follow the instructions of the intercom and the teachers, and board the buses or walk to the designated site where they can be accounted for and assisted.
In addition to these drills, we also conduct Active Shooter Drills with the support of the local police departments of the six boroughs. These drills are designed to teach students and staff how to respond in case of an active shooter situation, following the ALICE protocol (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). These drills are conducted with caution and sensitivity and are announced in advance to avoid confusion or panic.
We appreciate your cooperation and support in making our schools safe and secure for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns about our safety and security procedures, please contact your school principal or our district safety coordinator.
Youth Violence Prevention Program
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program organized by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. The program teaches young people and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially on social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late.
Safe 2 Say Anonymous Reporting Line
Contact the Safe2Say Reporting Line at 1-844-SAF2SAY (723-2729).
The program also has a mobile app that is available for download here.
Gary Rickards
Supervisor of Safety and Security
Safe School Initiative
In my expertise, the safety and security of our students and staff is our number one
priority. I look forward to collaborating with the William Penn School District
stakeholders, including students, staff, administration, parents, and the community.
William Penn School District is fortunate to have the strong support from our six
borough Police and Fire Departments.
William Penn School District Security Department’s goal is to create a safe and
supportive environment for students and staff by utilizing school safety training for
School Safety Officers.
Target unsafe acts from student behavior, these acts are supported with various
prevention procedures listed with Crisis Intervention Procedures.
“By bringing to reality our Focus Forward success plan, it’s hard to beat the six communities that
never give up on the plan of achievement for our students.”
