Safety (7)
March 29, 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As you are probably aware, numerous calls have been made to school districts across the state regarding a possible active shooter threat. It turned out to be a hoax and there was no emergency. One of the calls was directed at Ogden High School which created a county-wide law enforcement response to the school. As a precautionary measure, many of our schools went into a secure protocol at the direction of law enforcement.
A “secure” is part of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and it is initiated when there is a possible threat somewhere in the community. During a “secure” everyone is brought inside the building and the exterior doors are locked. No one is allowed in or out of the building until the protocol is released. During a “secure” it is business as usual inside the school.
A secure differs greatly from a “lockdown.” A lockdown is a much more serious action because it involves a possible threat inside the school. For your reference, we have attached information on the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) which describes all of our emergency protocols.
We also want to make you aware of the many safety and security measures we have in place in our district:
- Safety committees - We have two safety committees that oversee school safety for the district. These committees meet regularly to review safety procedures and implement security initiatives.
- Site assessments - We are in the process of conducting site assessments at all of our schools to help identify and address security concerns.
- Secure entrances - Over the past several years, we have been redesigning the main entryways at all of our elementary schools to allow for secure, single-point entry. This coming summer, work will begin on many of our secondary school entrances.
- Electronic access control - We’ve also been working on upgrading our exterior doors with electronic access control. This allows for better monitoring of doors while providing for a more secure building perimeter.
- Door lock upgrades - We are in the process of replacing interior door locks so doors can be more quickly and easily secured during an emergency.
- Audio Enhancement - These devices give teachers and staff the ability to immediately alert authorities in the event of an emergency at their school.
- Security cameras - We have nearly 1,200 security cameras in schools throughout our district.
- Threat assessment - We’ve had a functioning threat assessment team in place for many years that helps to identify and monitor potential threats within our schools.
- Partnership with law enforcement - We have a strong partnership with local law enforcement and there are officers assigned to each of our secondary schools. They also help to cover our elementary schools.
- Safety Drills - We conduct regular safety drills according to the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). These include drills for fire, threats of violence and other emergencies.
- Mental health therapists - We continue to add mental health therapists to our schools to help students who may be struggling with mental health challenges.
- Monitoring software - We have software that monitors our district network and devices for potential threats and concerns.
- SafeUT app - We continue to use and promote the SafeUT app which is an anonymous tip line and crisis line. Tips that are submitted help us to address concerns early while preventing school violence.
- WSD Notifier - In the event of an emergency, you will receive texts and emails through the WSD Notifier. It’s important that you have updated your contact information in this system in order to receive notifications.
- Social Media - We try our best to monitor activities on social media but we need your help. If you choose to allow your children to use social media, please talk with them about appropriate use and posting responsibly. Making threats or even posting jokes related to school violence isn’t funny, it’s criminal.
The safety and well-being of our students and employees is foremost on our minds. We are navigating a societal landscape wherein school shootings, threats and disruptions are far too commonplace. We acknowledge that this creates heightened fear and anxiety for students and families. Please be assured that we are doing all we can to keep our school settings safe. The saying, “See something, say something” is more relevant today than ever before. Everyone plays an important role in school safety. We must look out for one another and work together.
Sincerely,
WSD Superintendency
Federal regulations require that schools be inspected for the presence of asbestos, a toxic material that has been used in the construction industry for a number of years. All schools have been inspected for asbestos containing materials and the results of the inspections are contained in the Asbestos Management Plan. The Asbestos Management Plan is available for your preview at each school, the District Office, or a copy of the plan would be provided to you for the cost of reproduction.
Tips for Walking Safely to School
Walking is fun, but you need to be safe while doing it. Follow these tips to make sure you get to and from school without any problems.
Walk together
Younger children should always walk with an adult. Tell your parents that walking is great exercise and a nice way to spend time together. If your parents say that you can walk to school on your own, remember these tips:
- Walk with a friend when possible.
- Ask your parents to help you pick a safe route to school; one that avoids dangers.
- Stick to the route you picked with your parents. Don’t let friends talk you into shortcuts that are more dangerous.
- When you are near the street, don’t push, shove, or chase each other.
- Never hitchhike or take rides from people not arranged by your parents.
- Talk to your parents and teacher about any bullying that may happen during your walk.
Be seen
Remember, drivers may not be able to see you well. Always wear bright-colored clothes and if it is dark or hard to see, carry fl ashlights or wear refl ective gear.
Look for traffic
Watch out for cars and trucks at every driveway and intersection on your walk to school. Look for drivers in parked cars. They may be getting ready to move.
Cross the street safely
- Stop at the curb or edge of the street.
- Look left, right, left and behind you and in front of you for traffi c.
- Wait until no traffi c is coming and begin crossing.
- Keep looking for traffi c until you have fi nished crossing.
- Walk, don’t run across the street.
Obey traffic signs, signals and adult school crossing guards For more resources and information on Safe Routes to School, please visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School Web site at:
Published in
Safety
What are the best methods for me to receive timely WSD notifications?
Currently, the preferred methods for getting WSD notifications are to visit the main wsd.net web site, as well as your school web site. Other options include checking our district Twitter account or Facebook page. Please keep in mind that our Facebook page is not monitored 24/7, so any messages you send may not be responded to immediately.
We also offer the ability to sign up for email and text alerts. However, due to the volume of message that are being sent out, these two options are not as timely.
To sign up to follow our Twitter account, text “follow @wsdnotification” to 40404.
Email Notifications
To receive email notifications, a parent must be registered at weber.powerschool.com.
Note: Each parent must have their own PowerSchool account.
Remind
This system is used for school, classroom, and emergency messages
School and District Websites
The notification message will also be displayed on all school and district web pages. Visit any of the sites to see the WSD Notification Message.
WSD Notification messages can also be viewed by following the Weber School District Facebook page.
Published in
Safety
What are the best methods for me to receive timely WSD notifications?
Currently, the preferred methods for getting WSD notifications are to visit the main wsd.net web site, as well as your school web site. Other options include checking our district Twitter account or Facebook page. Please keep in mind that our Facebook page is not monitored 24/7, so any messages you send may not be responded to immediately.
We also offer the ability to sign up for email and text alerts. However, due to the volume of message that are being sent out, these two options are not as timely.
To sign up to follow our Twitter account, text “follow @wsdnotification” to 40404.
Email Notifications
To receive email notifications, a parent must be registered at weber.powerschool.com.
Note: Each parent must have their own PowerSchool account.
Remind
This system is used for school, classroom, and emergency messages
School and District Websites
The notification message will also be displayed on all school and district web pages. Visit any of the sites to see the WSD Notification Message.
WSD Notification messages can also be viewed by following the Weber School District Facebook page.
Published in
Safety
On Wednesday March 2, 2016, Weber School District partnered with the Weber County Sheriff's Office, Pleasant View Police Department, Roy City Police Department, and the Utah Highway Patrol to conduct the largest safety drill in the district to date. The three-staged lockdown, evacuation, and reunification exercise was conducted at Kanesville Elementary in West Haven.
Gone are the days when the only drills teachers and administration needed to worry about involved earthquakes and fire. As a district we must now be prepared to protect the safety of our students in a variety of situations. Weber School District is committed to being prepared to protect, evacuate, and reunite the children with their parents and loved ones in the event of a natural disaster or tragedy.
Principal Scott Zellmer initiated discussion of drill that would involve transporting students from the school. Unlike most other schools in the District, Kanesville has the distinction of being geographically located in an area without surrounding schools, parks, or other public spaces that are suitable for an evacuation of this magnitude. In preparation for the drill, the Weber County Sheriff's Office suggested use of the Weber County Fairgrounds as an evacuation site due to its relatively close approximation to Kanesville and the fact that its layout was easily secured by law enforcement.
Lockdown, evacuation, and reunification drills have all been conducted separately prior to Wednesday's drill, but this was the first time the District has conducted all three drills concurrently. Planning for the drill was a months-long process that required a small army of volunteers and cooperation with multiple agencies. The day began at 9:00 with teachers receiving the signal to begin the lockdown with “locks, lights, out of sight”. Classrooms were individually cleared by law enforcement and children were escorted onto waiting buses, walking hand-in-hand. Streets along the evacuation route were closed to traffic, and a police escort accompanied the buses to the Fairgrounds where the children were taken into the Exhibit Hall. Parents were notified via email and text of their student's location and given the “all clear” to begin arriving at the Fairgrounds for reunification. Upon arrival, parents filled out information cards and were asked to present their identification. Once checked in, they were sent to a waiting area until their children were brought to the reunification table. At that point, identification was again verified and students were reunited and sent home with their parents. The cooperation of parents in the process was appreciated very much.
Nate Taggart, Weber School District's Spokesperson and Safety Specialist stated that it is everyone's hope that we never have to use this protocol, but emphasized the importance of being prepared for such an event. Overall, the process was very smooth and well executed with few issues. Many lessons were learned, and ideas for expediting evacuation and reunification were shared. Input received from law enforcement, parents, and school officials has been invaluable in helping us to streamline the process; however, the most important feedback we received was from the students themselves. The children felt protected and secure knowing that procedures were in place to ensure their safety. They even reported having a lot of fun watching movies and playing games while they waited for their parents to arrive. But perhaps most fun of all, they received their very own police escort!
Published in
Safety
Following are some helpful links to help keep the Internet safe for your child.
Links
- CyberTipline
The Congressionally-mandated CyberTipline is a means for reporting crimes against children including:
- Possession, manufacture, and distribution of child pornography
- Online enticement of children for sexual acts
- Child prostitution
- Sex Tourism Involving Children
- Extrafamilial Child Sexual Molestation
- Unsolicited Obscene Material Sent to a Child
- Misleading Domain Names
- Misleading Words or Digital Images on the Internet
Reports may be made 24-hours a day, 7 days a week online at www.cybertipline.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678.
- Inhope
INHOPE Hotlines offer the public a way of anonymously reporting Internet material including child sexual abuse material they suspect to be illegal. The Hotline will ensure that the matter is investigated and if found to be illegal the information will be passed to the relevant Law Enforcement Agency and in many cases the Internet Service Provider hosting the content.
- Utah Do Not Contact Registry
Protect Your Family's Addresses
The Utah Child Protection Registry is a free program provided by the State of Utah that helps you stop adult-oriented solicitations from being targeted at you and your family. The program allows you to protect:
- E-Mail Addresses
- Mobile Phone Numbers
- Instant Messenger IDs
- Fax Numbers
Companies and marketers that send adult-oriented messages, such as those promoting pornography, alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, and gambling are required to screen their mailing lists with the State of Utah and remove registered addresses and numbers before they send their solicitations. Marketers that fail to remove registered addresses face felony charges as well as substantial civil and criminal fines.
Internet Chat Acronyms
- AcronymFinder
With more than 1,000,000 human-edited definitions, Acronym Finder is the world's largest and most comprehensive dictionary of acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms. Combined with the Acronym Attic, Acronym Finder contains more than 5 million acronyms and abbreviations. New! You can also search for more than 850,000 US and Canadian postal codes.
- NetLingo
With more than 82 million people texting regularly, it's no wonder you've seen this cryptic looking code! Commonly used wherever people get online -- including IMing, SMSing, cell phones, Blackberries, PDAs, Web sites, games, newsgroup postings, in chat rooms, on blogs -- these abbreviations are used by people to communicate with each other. The actual definition of an acronym and text shorthand is here.
Internet Filters
- K9 - FREE Internet filtering software
K9 Web Protection is a free Internet filter and parental control software for your home Windows or Mac computer. K9 puts YOU in control of the Internet so you can protect your kids.
- Computer Cop
ComputerCOP is proud to have been chosen as a G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) vendor. ComputerCOP is the only software company to have been given such a distinction by this highly acclaimed Justice Department program.
- Content Protect
ContentWatch, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is an innovative company focused on delivering Internet management solution for families, schools, businesses and government. It is a world leading provider of Internet filtering and management solutions with customers in more than 157 countries. It is available in English, Spanish, Turkish and Japanese. With over 300,000 users in Turkey alone and partnerships in Australia, Japan, and the UK, Net Nanny has proven its global market appeal.
- CyberPatrol
CyberPatrol is a pioneer and leader in the Parental Control software market.
Launched in 1995, CyberPatrol is one of the most trusted named in parental controls software. The CyberPatrol products are specifically developed for ease of use to help protect families and businesses from threatening online activity. - Cybersitter
CYBERsitter actively filters search queries depending on the filters you have selected. CYBERsitter also has a "strictness" setting that lets you adjust how sensitive you want CYBERsitter to be when a user searches using a search engine. The strictness feature has several levels that allow you to set different levels for children, teens, and adults.
- Safe2Read
Safe2read allows you to allocate everyone in your family their own email account, with a level of automatic supervision appropriate to their age. You need to decide ONCE if each of your child's email friends is suitable - after that you are only alerted when strangers come calling. This works with ANY internet provider.
Prevention Sites
- Child Lures Prevention
Our mission is to help ensure the personal safety of children and youth through increased awareness, education, advocacy and action. Our goal is to prevent all forms of child victimization by teaching families, professionals and other community members how to recognize, interrupt and report inappropriate situations before abuse occurs.
- The Children's Partnership
The Children's Partnership works to ensure that all children—especially those at risk of being left behind—have the resources and the opportunities they need to grow up healthy and lead productive lives.
- Crimes Against Children Research Center
The mission of the Crimes against Children Research Center (CCRC) is to combat crimes against children by providing high quality research and statistics to the public, policy makers, law enforcement personnel, and other child welfare practitioners. CCRC is concerned with research about the nature of crimes including child abduction, homicide, rape, assault, and physical and sexual abuse as well as their impact.
- CyberSmart
CyberSmart! fosters 21st century skills to increase student engagement and prepare students to achieve in today's digital society.
- DMOZ Open Director Project
This link offers several additional sites for internet safety directed specifically at kids and teens
- Internet Keep Safe Coalition
The Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe), established in 2005, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit international alliance of more than 100 policy leaders, educators, law enforcement members, technology experts, public health experts and advocates. Through this network of support, iKeepSafe tracks global trends and issues surrounding digitally connected products and their affect on children. This research drives the continuous creation of positive resources for parents, educators and policymakers who teach youths how to use new media devices and platforms in safe and healthy ways.
- iSAFE America
i-SAFE Inc. is a leading publisher of media literacy and digital citizenship education materials and programming with worldwide distribution channels. Founded in 1998 and supported by the U.S. Congress and various executive agencies of the U.S. government, i-SAFE is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering youth (and others) to safely, responsibly and productively use Information and Communications Technologies (ICT).
- Megan’s Law
As a result of a new law, this site will provide you with access to information on more than 63,000 persons required to register in California as sex offenders. Specific home addresses are displayed on more than 33,500 offenders in the California communities; as to these persons, the site displays the last registered address reported by the offender. An additional 30,500 offenders are included on the site with listing by ZIP Code, city, and county. Information on approximately 22,000 other offenders is not included on this site, but is known to law enforcement personnel.
- SafeKids.com
SafeKids.com is one of the oldest and most enduring sites for Internet safety. It’s creator, Larry Magid, is the author of the original 1994 brochure, “Child Safety on the Information Highway” and is also co-director of ConnectSafely.org and a technology journalist.
- SafeTeens.com
SafeTeens.com is a place for teens and their parents to learn safe, civil and responsible use of the Internet. It’s operated by technology journalist Larry Magid who also operates SafeKids.com and is co-director of ConnectSafely.org
- WebWise Kid
For more than ten years, we have been providing unique and effective resources to equip young people to safely use and enjoy the latest technologies. Our programs prepare kids to be their own first lines of defense so they can confidently explore the best that the Internet has to offer. To date, more than 10 million middle school and high school students from all 50 states have participated in our programs.
Primary Resources
- www.netsmartz.org
NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates.
- http://www.ncmec.org/
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, (NCMEC), is a private, (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization which was created in 1984. The mission of the organization is to serve as the nation’s resource on the issues of missing and sexually exploited children. The organization provides information and resources to law enforcement, parents, children including child victims as well as other professionals.
- www.pollyklaas.org/internet-safety/internet-pdfs/PollingSummary.pdf
View the Polly Klaas® nation wide teen Internet poll results
- Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website
The Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW), coordinated by the U.S. Department of Justice, is a cooperative effort between jurisdictions hosting public sex offender registries (“Jurisdictions”) and the federal government and is offered free of charge to the public. These Jurisdictions include the 50 states, U.S. Territories, the District of Columbia, and participating tribes. The Website provides an advanced search tool that allows a user to submit a single national query to obtain information about sex offenders; a listing of public registry Web sites by state, territory, and tribe; and information on sexual abuse education and prevention.
- http://www.k9webprotection.com/
K9 Web Protection is a free Internet filter and parental control software for your home Windows or Mac computer. K9 puts YOU in control of the Internet so you can protect your kids.
Published in
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