Importance of a Safe Learning Environment

Posted Date: 05/31/2022

Dear Orange Schools Family,

Our hearts go out to all who are impacted by the tragic events in Florida at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. With each violent incident we are reminded, whether in a school environment or as a community, of the important role we all play as a source of prevention to tragic and senseless acts of this nature.  

The Orange City School District is committed to the safety and security of our students and staff.  We continue to partner with our local law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders to review, improve and practice safety plans.

While it is impossible to predict every situation, we prepare students and staff by training, practicing, discussing, learning, informing, and assisting them with proper safety protocols throughout our school campus.  Our actions align with our school safety plans that have been created in cooperation with local safety forces.  

These safety plans are updated annually and are reviewed, approved by, and filed with the local police departments, fire departments and the Attorney General’s Office. They include protocols for addressing serious threats to the safety of students and staff.

Our constant reinforcement of safety protocols and the use of training events reminds everyone to be aware and vigilant. We must do our very best to look for potential situations either observed physically, on social media or through other electronic means (i.e. text or email), and to remain proactive. We value the assistance and responsiveness of our community partners.

Our school building external doors remain locked at all times.  Staff members have key card identification access to unlock doors. We have a full-time School Resource Officer from the Pepper Pike Police (Officer Todd) on our campus every day school is in session. We also are visited throughout the school day by Moreland Hills Police and other safety force members who routinely patrol school buildings and our campus.  

Again, our ultimate goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff on our school campus.  Our schools cannot do this without a partnership between parents, communities and local safety officials.  

Parents and students are asked to use the Safe School Helpline to share concerns. All messages are CONFIDENTIAL and ANONYMOUS. The Safe School Helpline can be accessed via three methods - By telephone at 1-800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359 (1-800-418-6423 ext. 359); online at www.safeschoolhelpline.com; or by texting 66746 and typing "TIPS" as the message.

We will continue to be proactive in doing everything possible to protect the safety and welfare of everyone on our school campus and ask for your continued cooperation, assistance and support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joffrey Jones
Superintendent
Orange Schools

Published on 2/22/2018