Stronger and Safer Together

The South-Western City School District Board of Education and staff are committed to making school safety a priority for our community. Our focus is on maintaining a safe learning environment in which all can flourish. No one should be afraid to come to school or work.

For us to be Stronger and Safer Together, we need the help of all students, families, staff, community members and partners. Knowledge, communication, and understanding are the cornerstone of our efforts.

• Policy - The South-Western City School District will not tolerate violent, disruptive, or threatening behavior by its students which interrupt the educational process. Students face disciplinary action, suspension or expulsion, if found to be in possession of any item or weapon deemed dangerous to themselves or others on school premises.

• Emergency Plans - Working closely with its first responders, the District has emergency response plans that were originally developed through two back-to-back federal Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools grants. Staff members are also trained in the implementation of more than 30 protocols and procedures which are reviewed and revised based on best practices.

• Drills - Safety drills are the foundation of emergency preparedness. Our students and staff members participate in multiple emergency evacuation and safety drills on a yearly basis, including lockdown drills. All of these drills are put into practice and are conducted in conjunction with safety experts and first responders throughout the school year.

• See Something, Say Something - We encourage everyone connected with the South-Western City School District to “See Something, Say Something” by speaking up and contacting the building principal, district offices, or local law enforcement anytime they see or hear unusual or suspicious activity that could threaten the safety of our students.

• Tip Line - If you are aware of a potential danger to our students or schools and are unable to contact a building administrator, you can also call or text the anonymous hotline at 844-SAFER-OH. Trained professionals at Ohio Homeland Security’s Threat Assessment and Prevention unit answer all tips and immediately forward information to the district and local law enforcement agencies.

• Threats - All threats to school safety are taken seriously, whether they are made online, verbally, by text or phone, written note, or as a joke. Working with local law enforcement agencies, the District will promptly and efficiently investigate every threat of which we are made aware. Individuals will be held accountable for their actions, even if the threat is not considered credible or real.

• Vigilance - We are Stronger and Safer Together when our community partners help us extend our safe zones and reduce the opportunity and incidences of violence in our surrounding neighborhoods.

We need everyone’s help by being our eyes and ears in the community and reporting any concerns you hear about or notice. Thank you for continuing to support our students, teachers, staff members, and greater school community. We are Stronger and Safer Together!

844-SaferOH

Ohio's school safety tip line gives students, parents, teachers and school administrators a way to anonymously report student safety threats to school officials and law enforcement officers. The tip line serves our community 24 hours a day and the call center guarantees the anonymity of the person who calls or texts.

Trained professionals at Ohio Homeland Security's Threat Assessment and Prevention (TAP) unit answer all calls and texts to 844-SaferOH. When action is needed, TAP staff immediately forward information to the district and/or school. Local law enforcement agencies or others may be notified if the situation warrants.

Crisis Text Line

You are not alone.

Do you need help now?

Text the keyword “4hope” to 741 741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor within 5 minutes.

Any person may need help in coping with a stressful situation. Reach out by text to communicate with someone trained to listen and respond in a method that is private, secure and confidential.

The Crisis Text Line is a free, confidential service available 24/7 via text on mobile devices.

Throughout Ohio, you can text the keyword “4hope” to 741 741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Data usage while texting Crisis Text Line is free and the number will not appear on a phone bill with the mobile service carrier. People of all ages can use Crisis Text Line.

For more information about the Crisis Text Line and for supporting resources, please visit the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website.