The West Perry School District takes your child's safety very seriously, and we prioritize preparation for all emergencies. This page provides an overview of our safety and security measures and procedures. Following the steps provided will help school officials, police officers, firefighters, and other responders do their jobs and focus on the safety of all involved.
What You Can do to Help Before an Emergency
Keep your child's emergency information up-to-date. Ensure your phone numbers, email, and emergency contact information are updated with your child's school. The District sends calls, texts, and emails during an emergency. Additionally, students can only be released to adults predesignated by parents or guardians.
Talk with your child about listening and following directions of any school personnel during an emergency.
Report any safety concerns. Often, the most important piece of safety and security is obtaining key information before someone decides to commit a harmful act. Receiving tips and information in advance of anything happening allows us to investigate and take proactive steps to prevent harm. We encourage anyone to report the concern if something does not look, sound, or feel right.
There are numerous ways for students and parents/guardians to report concerns, including:
When fielding concerns, school administrators start with an investigation. During investigations, administrators look for specific details - time, location, and individuals involved—the more specific, the better. Timely reporting is also key to investigations. School actions or discipline are based upon board policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and federal/state regulations by which the school must abide.
What Parents Should do During a School Emergency
Wait for information from the District. The latest information will be provided by phone, text, or email via the District's global messaging system. The first priority of school and district personnel is to address the emergency at hand. We work very intentionally in coordination with the State Police and other local agencies to develop and send messages that keep our many stakeholders informed. While we understand that people may want immediate details, our goal is to provide information as timely as possible, ensuring that what we release is accurate.
Try not to call the school. Telephone lines may be needed for emergency communication.
Do not go to the school, or evacuation site, until notified to do so. During a serious emergency, the roads and areas around the school will need to be kept open for emergency responders.
Know that in the event of a serious emergency, students will be kept at their schools or evacuated to a prearranged alternate site. Students will be released to their parents through a reunification procedure. It is important to follow this process, as we need to be able to account for every child at all times. You will be notified of the reunification location and process through the District's global messaging system. Only you or a responsible adult you have pre-identified will be permitted to pick up your child.
Current Security Measures
The West Perry School District currently uses the following safety and security equipment and resources.
- All Hazards plans are annually reviewed.
- Security cameras in all schools
- A visitor ID system in all schools which checks visitors against sexual offender databases and produces visitor badges with photos
- Electronic "key cards" at all buildings for access control
- Emergency procedures are posted in all offices and classrooms
- Fire alarm systems are installed in all schools
- Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
- Two-way radio communications in each building
- A mass notification system for emergency notification and critical communication during a time of crisis
- Monthly fire drills and other regularly scheduled safety drills in partnership with local first responders
- Monthly district school safety meetings
Safe2Say Something Program
The Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows our students & school community to report safety concerns confidentially via a mobile app, website, or tipline.
Learn more about the Safe2Say Something program