School Safety & Security

1. Do not go to the school or scene of an emergency unless you are asked to do so.  Your presence may interfere with emergency response.
2. Get accurate information and instructions.
   • Look for messages from the FCPS Rapid Communication System. These messages will be sent via home phone, cell phone, email and text message and should update every 15-20 minutes
   • Visit www.FrederickCountySchoolsVA.net for up-to-date information and instructions.
   • Follow the FCPS Facebook page at @frederickcountypublicschools.
3. Do not listen to or spread rumors.  The school division will provide frequent updates in the event of an emergency.  The FCPS website, the FCPS Rapid Communication System and the FCPS Facebook page are the best sources for accurate information in the event of an emergency.
4. Do not respond to a student's request to leave school.  Tell the student to remain calm and follow all instructions from school officials.

The Frederick County Public Schools’ Rapid Communication System is used to contact families via telephone, email and text message to notify them of emergencies that may cause a school to evacuate, relocate or go on lockdown.  The system is used to inform families when school schedules are impacted by inclement weather. Individual schools may use the system to communicate information to their school community. During an event communications will send an update to parents through our Rapid communication system  every 15-20 minutes to inform them of current conditions.

Frederick County Public Schools utilizes the Frederick County Public Schools’ Rapid Communication System as part of an ongoing effort to enhance student/staff safety, security, and communications. The FCPS Rapid Communication System will be used to contact families and employees in a variety of situations ranging from severe weather and power outages to other emergencies that may cause a school to evacuate, relocate, or lockdown. The system will also be used to inform families and staff when schools are closed, opening late or closing early due to inclement weather. It also may be used by individual schools to communicate information to their school community.

The FCPS Rapid Communication System has the ability to deliver thousands of voice, email and text messages within minutes. Every family who has a child attending Frederick County Public Schools is automatically signed up to receive messages through the FCPS Rapid Communication System. FCPS employees also will receive messages from the system automatically. Since the FCPS Rapid Communication System supports different languages, many non-English speaking families can receive messages in their native language.

In order for the system to be effective, Frederick County Public Schools must have accurate contact information for all families and employees. Without current contact information, the FCPS Rapid Communication System will not be able to make the necessary contacts in the event of an emergency. Whenever a family member's home phone number, cell phone number or e-mail address changes, they should notify their child’s school so the information can be updated. FCPS employees should notify the Human Resources Department whenever their contact information changes.

Families must annually notify the office of the student’s school in writing if they do not want to receive messages via the FCPS Rapid Communication System. Such notification will remain in effect through the end of the current school year and must be renewed annually. FCPS employees who do not want to receive messages sent through the system, must annually notify the Human Resources Department in writing.

FCPS has a clear bag expectation for all events occurring after school hours at elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as events hosted by FCPS at off-site locations. This expectation is intended to enhance safety and security for students, staff, and visitors attending school events.

This expectation applies to all spectators, including students, visitors, and FCPS personnel who are not working the event. It does not apply to individuals visiting campuses for night school programs.

Allowed Bags

Attendees may bring the following types of bags into after-school events:

• Clear bags: Must be fully transparent from all angles and no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. A small logo or marker is permitted provided it does not obscure the contents of the bag.
• Small wallets, wristlets, or clutch bags: Non-clear bags no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.
• Medical bags: Bags containing prescribed medical supplies are permitted and may be inspected separately.
• Diaper bags: Permitted when attending with a child and subject to separate inspection.
• Participant bags: Equipment bags carried by students participating in the event, such as athletes, cheerleaders, or band members. These may also be inspected separately.

Prohibited Bags

The following items will not be allowed:

• Any bag exceeding the size limitations listed above, including clear bags.
• Backpacks, purses, camera cases, and cinch bags that are not clear.
• Large tote bags, coolers, and duffle bags.
• Tinted, colored, patterned, or mesh bags that fully obscure the contents.

Entry Procedures

All bags will be screened upon entry to after-school events. School principals or their designees will oversee the screening process.

If a guest arrives with a bag that does not meet the requirements, they will be asked to return the bag to their vehicle before entering the event. Spectators bringing items such as seats, umbrellas, blankets, or strollers should carry these items visibly through the screening area, where they may be inspected separately.

FCPS reserves the right to refuse entry to an event due to safety concerns and may exercise discretion in permitting bags that do not meet the requirements but are reasonably necessary.

We appreciate the cooperation of our families and community members as we implement this safety measure to support a secure environment at school events.

All schools and the Frederick County Public Schools Administration Building are equipped with secure entrances.  The system requires visitors to utilize an intercom system to identify themselves and the reason for their visit prior to being granted entry into a secure vestibule for additional screening before being granted access to the building.

All schools and the Frederick County Public Schools Administration Building are equipped with the Raptor Visitor Management System. Everyone visiting a school facility is required to present a valid, government-issued ID which will be scanned through the system and checked against registered sex offender and other databases that may include custody orders and information on individuals prohibited from visiting school grounds.  Those who are cleared by the system will be issued a visitor badge bearing their name and photo.

Keeping schools safe requires families, students, staff and members of the community to work together.  Here are some ways you can help keep our schools safe and secure.

1. Talk to your student about their day.  If they are having problems, consult with school administrators.
2. If you suspect your student is being bullied, contact the school principal.
3. Report any suspicious activity noted around schools and/or bus stops to the school principal.
4. Anonymously report any concerns about school safety to SpeakUp by calling or texting 540-546-0116 or sending an e-mail to speakup@fcpsk12.net.
5. Work with your student to map out a safe way for them to walk to school or the bus stop.  Avoid busy roads and intersections.
6. Encourage students to walk to school or the bus stop with other students and to wait at the bus stop with other students.
7. Remind students who drive to school to make sure all windows on their vehicle are closed and the doors are locked.
8. Encourage students not to leave valuable items in plain view inside a vehicle. 
9. Remind students to retain possession of their personal property.  Try to limit others from borrowing valuable items.
10. Do not leave personal property unattended.  
11. Properly secure all personal property, particularly electronics such as cell phones.  

Staff working at all schools and the Frederick County Public Schools Administration Building utilize Raptor EM Alert, a mobile panic button system.  The system sends instantaneous emergency notifications to administrators, staff members and first responder agencies to ensure rapid response and real-time coordination when addressing school issues and emergency situations. The Raptor System also allows for student and staff accountability to be done quickly during emergency situations to keep emergency services informed of students or staff who need assistance.  

Divisionwide Overview

• Staff training in every school building is provided, as needed
• Staff encourages all students to report bullying
• Administrators make every attempt to contact the parents of both parties (target and perpetrator)
• Public Service Announcements are broadcast on Channel 18
• Character Education and Bullying Prevention lessons are embedded in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and in Social-Emotional Learning Programs.

Resources

• Kidpower - Resources for parents and kids
• Stopbullying.gov - Resources for kids
• Operation Respect - Creating safe, compassionate environments for children and youth