RQS Holds Forum on School Safety

On Tuesday, March 27^th, The Raytown School District held a Community Forum on the ABC’s of School Safety. Topics discussed were everything from fire drill procedures and cameras to bullies and Internet Safety. Raytown Quality Schools host community Forums as a way to reach out to parents and in order to fulfill one of the School Board’s yearly goals. The presenters included Dr. Lee Updike, Cathy Betz, Martha Cockerell, Dred Scott, and Nancy Osterhaus.

The night began with an overview of what would be discussed and then we broke up into three groups and rotated through informational sessions on Technology, Safety & Emergency Procedures, and Creating & Maintaining Safety in Schools. The theme of the evening was Awareness, Balance, and Control & Connection. Each session discussed ways that staff were being trained to recognize and be aware of safety issues, how the staff is trying to find a balance between allowing the children certain freedoms and keeping them safe, and ways that the district is connecting with specially trained individuals and entities in order to stay in control.

In the technology session, Cathy Betz, Melissa Tebbenkamp, Dustin Hills, and Dr. Lee Updike discussed ways that the district has implemented technology in their schools as a way to increase student safety. Currently the Raytown District has security cameras installed on the outside of all school buildings and they have begun installing buzzer entry systems in schools throughout the district. The cameras are able to zoom in on specific areas and are able to save data for up to one week, allowing principals to review the feed in case of any unusual occurrences.

The school district also has a vested interest in protecting the students’ safety online. All school computers are outfitted with antivirus and spyware protection to help protect the students from viewing any inappropriate popups. The schools have also implemented web filtering software that stops unacceptable internet traffic and blocks inappropriate sites all together. In addition to specific sites being monitored and blocked, the district has also chosen to block instant messaging programs, reducing the threat of students being able to share personal information with strangers. The school district has adopted their AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) per CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act). The district is currently looking into implementing the government’s i-Safe program as part of the district’s continuing effort to protect students from Internet dangers. Information on the i-Safe program is available online at isafe.org.

The session on Creating and Maintaining Safe Schools focused on bullies and how the school district is working towards creating a safe and productive environment for all students. Each school is staffed with interventionists who work to triage students and make sure that they begin each day on a good foot.

- The Raytown Post -