SCHOOL SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY AT VAN WERT CITY SCHOOLS
Van Wert City Schools is in compliance with Ohio’s Office of Homeland Security and the mission of the Center for P-20 Safety and Security. Our mission is to enhance our strategies for safety, security, and emergency plan development in accordance with the School Climate Guidelines, School Safety/Emergency Operations Plan Template and Ohio Law. The goal of Van Wert City Schools is a total commitment in supporting all of our schools in ensuring the safety of students, employees, and visitors through effective policies and procedures, training, and community and interagency involvement.
THERE ARE FOUR MAIN COMPONENTS TO OUR GOAL:
PREVENTION/MITIGATION
Schools can take action to increase the safety and well-being of their staff and students. To create a safe and supportive learning environment, schools may institute policies, positive behavior intervention supports, and prevention programs to improve the culture and climate of their building.
PREPAREDNESS
School leaders should be equipped with all the vital resources, information, and expectations to create a comprehensive safety plan and response protocols for any emergency situation, including natural disasters, violent incidents, and terrorist acts – before, during, and after the event.
RESPONSE
Assisting schools with the development of their all-hazards response plan is a key element of our goal. Safety and well-being in an emergency depends on how prepared students and staff are and on how everyone responds to a crisis. By being able to act responsibly and safely, school administrators will be able to protect students, staff and facilities. Our office will strive towards ensuring updates on school safety regulations, directives, policy, and deadlines will be communicated on a regular basis so schools can revise and implement the most current criterion and respond accordingly.
RECOVERY
The primary objective of recovery is to provide a caring and supportive school environment so that staff and students can return to teaching and learning as quickly as possible. Creating a system of supports with community social service agencies and local first responders can reinforce the cycle of safety planning and restore the social, emotional and environmental needs of students and staff.
For more information contact:
Van Wert City Schools
Office of the Superintendent
(419) 238-0648
Or visit Safer Schools Ohio