Schools need to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to safety. In Vancouver Public Schools, safety is a top priority.

How we prepare

DRO, safety, McLoughlin, Jonathan Lawrence

Meet District Resource Officer Jonathan Lawrence.

The district does many things to prepare for emergency situations, including:

  • Hire district resource officers, or DROs, who are trained to maintain safety and encourage positive behavior.
  • Collaborate with local agencies and other school districts to improve safety procedures.
  • Maintain secure electronic entry systems at elementary and middle schools. At high schools, DROs help monitor foot traffic.
  • Train employees on how to respond to emergency situations.
  • Conduct emergency drills with both staff members and students.

What you can do to help

  • Keep your emergency contact information up to date with your child’s school.
  • Report safety concerns and also encourage your child to report them.
  • Sign in at the main office during school hours and wear a visitors’ badge.

We want everyone to feel safe in our schools. If you have any questions about safety, please contact the appropriate principal.

For more information

This and other stories originally appeared in the January 2016 issue of Inside Vancouver Public Schools.