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



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?