Dan Wright

734-697-9133 ext 2165

dwright@vanburenschools.net

OK2SAY Tipline

855-565-2729

At Van Buren Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community is our top priority. We take a comprehensive approach to school safety, combining preventative measures, preparedness protocols, and community support to create a secure learning environment.

Our schools follow clear, well-established safety protocols to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Emergency Procedures

• ALICE Training – Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate: Our staff are trained to respond to active threats using this nationally recognized program.

• Secure and Lockdown Procedures – In situations requiring immediate security measures, our schools implement lockdowns or secure-in-place protocols to protect students and staff.

• Evacuation Plans – We maintain clearly marked evacuation routes and conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows how to exit safely.

All safety procedures are regularly reviewed and updated to meet the highest standards.

We encourage students, staff, and community members to report any safety concerns. Multiple reporting channels are available:

• Director of School Safety: [Contact Info]

• OK2SAY Tipline: [Tipline Info / Link]

• Anonymous Reporting: Online forms are available for confidential submissions.

Your vigilance helps us maintain a safe and supportive environment.

Safety isn’t just physical—it’s also mental and emotional. VBPS provides access to mental health support for students and staff:

• School Counselors and Social Workers: Available for individual support and guidance.

• Community Resources: Partnerships with local organizations provide additional support.

• Awareness Programs: We promote mental wellness and encourage students to seek help when needed.

For more information, visit our Student Resources page or contact your school counselor.

We also focus on keeping students safe online:

• Education on safe social media use, cyberbullying prevention, and recognizing online threats.

• Tips for parents to help children stay safe on devices and the internet.

Students and staff participate in regular drills, including:

• Fire and tornado drills

• Lockdown and evacuation exercises

• Safety protocol refreshers

These drills are designed to build confidence, reduce panic in emergencies, and ensure that everyone knows what to do.

Our safety strategy extends beyond emergencies:

• Bullying prevention programs

• Substance abuse awareness and prevention

• Partnerships with local law enforcement and first responders

• Regular updates to security equipment and protocols

Safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone in our school community plays a role in:

• Reporting unsafe behaviors or concerns

• Participating in safety drills

• Supporting each other’s well-being

Together, we create a safe, welcoming environment where all students can thrive.