Educators in Harvard dedicate themselves to keeping students safe as an integral component of a healthy learning environment. Safety has always been important, and never has the lens been so carefully focused as it is now. While we spend significant time planning, practicing, and refining our safety procedures, parents and community members seldom see or know the details. I would like to share some of this information with you.
Before the school year begins, we hold a safety meeting that includes school leaders, police, fire, DPW, town officials, and the bus company. The police and fire chiefs continue to meet with staff throughout the year to review lock-down drills, fire drills, and other safety procedures. Every teacher has a safety manual that details the response to a variety of happenings. The principals identify a team of point people to carry out tasks during an emergency; these staff members check attendance, carry two-way radios, hold emergency contact information, transport emergency supplies, and more. Drills throughout the year allow the team to practice, reflect, and adjust the procedures as needed.
Throughout the year a safety committee meets to discuss research, share information gathered at trainings, revise safety documents, discuss case studies, and reflect on recent happenings. The safety and security of our students remain at the center of these meetings. In recent years, upgrades to safety measures include the following: front door camera systems and locked doors during the school day, security cameras, individual classroom door locking procedures, emergency manuals, two-way radios, visitor and staff badges, and more. We balance these safety improvements with a desire to maintain a welcoming and friendly environment for students and families.
Linda Dwight is superintendent of the Harvard Public Schools.
