A Parent Guide to School Safety
SAFE SCHOOLS ARE FOUND IN SAFE COMMUNITIES
Safety and security are a top priority in the Burlington Township School District.
Our District strives toward helping students feel safe so they can become successful, productive citizens. Safe schools are found in safe communities.
The BTSD enjoys a unique partnership with the BTPD, local emergency services and community leaders to help support and strengthen the efforts of the District.
Engaging in and supporting school events, showing students that education is important and that the school staff is there to help set the stage for success.
A student, parent or any community member who may have a concern about school safety, please contact the school or BTPD and share your concerns.
School Safety begins with each of us learning how to work together to support education and keep our communities safe.
HelpFul Information
As a first step, become aware of what your child's school procedures and protocols are for preventing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from potential disasters.
Be sure that your emergency contact information is up to date.
Have alternate arrangements in case an emergency prevents you from being available.
No matter how prepared we may be, there are no guarantees that an event will not occur beyond anyone's control. As a parent, there are many things you can do at home that help support and enhance the school's efforts to keep a safe environment for your child.
Keep the communication lines open and positive with your child and the school so you will know if there is a safety concern.
Encourage your child to come forward and tell an adult of any potentially dangerous situation. All of our community members are encouraged to come forward to report anything that seems out of the ordinary.
Community members may also use We-Tip to make anonymous reports about suspicious or illegal activity. Call: 1-800-78-CRIME.
Mary Ann Bell, School Safety Specialist
Nicholas Bice, School Safety Specialist
Christina Bieri, School Resource Officer (BTPD)
Melanie Correa, School Resource Officer (BTPD)
William Diamond, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Matthew Field, Team Member
Heather Garfield, Team Member
Floyd Hazzard, School Safety Specialist
Terrence Hreso, School Resource Officer (BTPD)
Brad Kirkpatrick, Team Member (Technology)
Rueben Ortiz-Cruz, School Resource Officer (BTPD)
Liz Scott, Public Information Officer
Rafe Vecere, Student Assistance Coordinator
FAQ's
SHOULD I PICK UP MY CHILD DURING AN EMERGENCY?
We strongly encourage parents NOT to come to the school during an emergency unless directed to do so. While every parent's natural instinct in an emergency is to go to the school to safeguard their child, please understand that doing so may significantly interfere with the school’s ability to respond to the situation. In addition, going to the school may interfere with police or other emergency workers whose sole purpose is to ensure the safety and well being of students and staff. Vehicles driving to the school, for example, will restrict access of emergency vehicles or school buses that are loading children for evacuation or to take them home. The building’s staff will be actively working at all times to ensure the safety of all students. While it may seem logical that every student taken home by a parent reduces the work load of the staff, in a fast-moving situation, that requires careful coordination and communication, extra vehicles and visitors to the school actually make the task of keeping track of all students more difficult.
A plan will be established for reunification of parents and students after an emergency event and the exact procedures will be communicated to the community, as security allows.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE BUILDING DURING AN EMERGENCY EVENT?
The entire staff have been involved in various drills to help in the event of an emergency. Parents can be assured that actions are being taken to help ensure your child’s safety. With staff members who have been trained in National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) and the Incident Command System, procedures will be followed to ensure that the students are well taken care of.
Schools are prepared with basic supplies and equipment needed to handle an emergency situation. Schools are equipped with panic buttons, cameras, back-up generators, fire extinguishers, flashlights, two-way radios, and automatic external defibrillators.
WHERE DO I GET INFORMATION DURING AN EMERGENCY?
Falcon Flyer: Register on the website.
District Website: www.burltwpsch.org
District Hotline: 609-387-1731
Local Television Stations and KYW 1060 AM Radio
Reverse call system will also be used when appropriate