A Safe and Welcoming School
Safety Information
Earthquake
At the beginning of an earthquake, students and staff who are in the buildings should drop, cover and hold. The safest places would be under a desk, table, or against an inner wall for protection from falling plaster, light fixtures or other heavy overhead objects. Students and adults should keep away from windows, file cabinets, and book shelves.
Reverse Evacuation
A Reverse Evacuation is defined as the process for moving students/staff indoors quickly. Some reasons for Reverse Evacuation include gunshots, drive by shooting, school is notified by law enforcement that an armed individual may be in the area.
Shelter-in Place
Shelter-in-Place is the process of keeping students and staff safe from dangers within the community. Schools would Shelter-in-Place in events such as a hazardous material incident, radiation incident, snowstorm, vague threats, or violence in the community that is not directed at the school. ACADEMICS ARE ONGOING.
Lockdown
A Lockdown is the process of protecting students and staff from external and internal dangers. A Lockdown is used when the potential for violence within the campus exists, usually during a red alert status, and potentially during an orange alert status.
Student and School Safety
Safety and wellness is a top priority for Seattle Public Schools. Students are more likely to be successful when they feel safe and welcome at school.
SPS Safety and Wellness Announcements and Resources
The Safety and Security Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
206-252-0510
What Families Can Do
Understandably, we are all experiencing a heightened sense of concern for student and staff safety due to current issues and events. We encourage parents and guardians to keep an open line of communication with your children.
We all play a role in school safety
It is important that everyone in our school knows and follows our safety procedures and processes.
- All visitors should sign in at the main office when on campus.
- All adults should wear SPS staff or visitor identification while in school buildings.
- School exterior doors should be kept closed and locked.
- Please let your school leader and school staff know if you have concerns or questions regarding student safety and well-being.
- Safety concerns should be reported right away by calling 911 or the Safe Schools Hotline (206-252-0510).
- Mobile App for anonymous safety reporting app for our community. To download the app, open your phone’s app store and search “Seattle Public Schools.” You may also use the universal link to download the app.
Opioid and Fentanyl Awareness and Resources
What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid drug that is approximately 100 times more powerful than other opioids.
Are Young People Misusing Opioids? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, teens and young adults are the biggest misusers of prescription pain medication.
Resources:
- Learn more about opioids and overdose prevention on the SPS Prevention and Intervention webpage.
- Washington State Department of Health Opioid and Prescription Drug Overdose Data
If you share a home with young people, you can prevent accidental and intentional use by reducing access to substances.
Safe storage of medicationsCommunications and Who to Contact
Who to contact to help resolve concerns
Be sure your school has your current telephone number and emergency contact information. Contact your school to update your contact information. Learn more about staying connected with Seattle Public Schools.
Personal Safety Tips for Children and Families
You can help your student(s) stay safe by talking to them about personal safety. Some tips to discuss include:
- Report incidents as soon as they happen.
- Be aware of surroundings.
- Not talking to strangers or going anywhere with them.
- Walking to school or activities in pairs or groups.
Reporting bullying or discrimination
Contact the Office of Student Civil Rights for concerns about
- Bullying
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Intimidation
- Sexual Assault
Reports can be made verbally or in writing.
District Policies and Procedures
The district is committed to our long-established focus on safety and security for all students and staff. You may want to learn more about our polices and procedures around student and school safety. Below are district resources, board policies and procedures around student and school safety.
Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
No Tolerance Policy Against Firearms and Dangerous Weapons
Seattle Public Schools has a no tolerance policy against firearms and dangerous weapons and Superintendent Procedure regarding weapons on its campuses and at District-sponsored activities.
Learn how you can play a role in preventing firearm-related injuries and deaths in our communities.
Firearm Safety