“For safety is not a gadget but a state of mind.” – Eleanor Everet

School Safety Statement

At Warwick Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors are paramount. We are dedicated to maintaining a secure and supportive learning environment that fosters growth and development. Our commitment to safety extends beyond academic achievement to encompass the overall welfare of every individual within our school community.

Key Pillars of Our Safety Commitment:

1. Physical Security: We prioritize maintaining a secure campus through advanced security measures, including surveillance systems, controlled access points, and regular safety drills. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels protected and can focus on their education.

2. Wellness and Mental Health: Recognizing the importance of mental health, we provide resources and support to promote emotional well-being. Our counseling services and programs are designed to address the diverse needs of our students, ensuring a holistic approach to their development.

3. Bullying Prevention: Warwick Public Schools is committed to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. We actively promote kindness, inclusivity, and respect. Our anti-bullying programs and peer support initiatives create a culture where everyone feels valued and accepted.

4. Emergency Preparedness: We prioritize preparedness for various emergency situations. Our staff undergo regular training, and we have robust emergency response plans in place to address any unforeseen circumstances. This ensures a swift and organized response to keep our school community safe.

5. Collaboration with Stakeholders: We believe that a safe school requires the collaboration of students, parents, staff, and the broader community. Open communication channels and partnerships with local law enforcement enhance our ability to address safety concerns effectively.

Reporting Procedures:

• If anyone within our community becomes aware of a safety concern or incident, we encourage prompt reporting to the appropriate school authorities. Your vigilance contributes to the overall safety of our school.

• Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and together, we create a secure and nurturing environment for all.

School Safety and Security:

The Warwick Public School District (WPS) utilizes an All Hazards Plan that is updated and evaluated when needed. This plan is guided by a committee of school employees, Warwick Police /Fire personnel as well.

• Security Protocols

• What might be expected from parents/guardians

• Commonly used school security terms

• Communications (Emergency Related)

Warwick Public Schools utilizes an standardized Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) or Safety Plan that guides each school during and emergency or crisis. Each school in the District is unique however should have similar responses when referring to critical incidents.

The EOP is a guide for all schools and their populations on how to plan, prepare, respond and mitigate. The EOP focuses on but not limited to, building security, visitors, communication, notification and medical protocols.

• Mandated Drills required by Rhode Island General Law: (15) Total Drills - Fire Drills, Evacuation Drills and Lockdown Drills. WPS seeks to ensure that the drill performed are constantly evolving and getting better. Drill will be done during educational time as well as during passing and lunch. The goal is to prepare our students, faculty and staff to be ready for emergencies through the entire day.

• WPS faculty and staff attend training on situational awareness and how to respond to intruder events (Active Threat).

• WPS faculty, staff and others that support the operation have attended training on how to use Rave Panic Button, the emergency notification system.

• The WPS operates with "closed campuses". This means all visitors must buzz into the school and check in with the main office.

• The WPS completes mandated building security assessments. This will occur every 3 years.

What parents/guardians should do during / prior to an emergency:

For the safety of all involved and to maintain order it is paramount that parents abide by the the follow. We understand that learning of an emergency within a school that you might have a child attending can be extremely stressful.

• Do not come to the school campus. A large crowd of parents / guardians can be difficult to manage while school faculty, staff, and first responders are dealing with a critical incident.

• Please do not call the school main office or the police / fire department.

• If a school is required to leave campus and go to an offsite location you will be notified as soon as possible. Please use caution when responding to reunify with your child / children. The area will we populated with students, parents, faculty, staff and first responders. Safety is paramount while reunifying.

• Be sure that you have updated your Emergency Care Card with the school.

• In the event of a drill or a real emergency you will be notified in a timely manner.

• Refrain from social media. Posting to social media during an emergency can be dangerous without knowing the facts. You may also jeopardize the well being of those involved.

• Students are given guidance during an emergency, so please refrain from trying call or text. We understand that this is very difficult to do as a parent / guardian.

As always you can always reach out to the District Coordinator of Safety and Security.

Security Levels (Terms you may see in a parent / guardian notification).

• Normal Operations - Education / Daily Activities

• Shelter In Place - There is danger or a concern outside of the secured school. Danger can consist of a loose dog, suspicious activity or person / vehicle etc. The students are safer inside than outside.

• Restricted Movement - There is concerning activity inside of the school. Students are to remain in place and out of the hallways. This usual occurs during a medical event within the school or a disturbance.

• Lockdown - This level is enacted when there is immediate danger within the school. Usually intruder or weapon event. If evacuation is not possible students will be instructed by faculty and staff during the event. The Warwick Police Department in conjunction with WPS Admin will be the only ones to lift this level.

Evacuation Drills : Students, faculty and staff will participate in evacuation drills. The entire population will leave the school as quickly as possible. The population might need to leave campus depending on the emergency. WPS utilize predetermined evacuation assembly areas on campus.

The Warwick Police Department and Warwick Fire Department operate with these protocols:

Thank you for being a part of Warwick Public Schools – where safety and learning go hand in hand.

• What is the Rave Panic Button?

  Rave Panic Button is a smartphone mobile app. With the push of a button, the Rave Panic Button app immediately dials 9-1-1, while simultaneously sending notifications to people on-site of the incident for a faster and more effective emergency response. The staff assist feature allows authorized employees to communicate non-emergency information to specific groups without calling 9-1-1. The app also includes a customized content directory that gives employees quick access to important information like procedures, facility maps, and protocols.