Safety and Security

EMERGENCY OPERATION PROCEDURES
Working with law enforcement agencies and first responders, we have developed and continue to revise, implement, and regularly practice emergency operation procedures. To keep staff and students safe, we do not share these plans publicly, but they are submitted, reviewed and approved annually.

CHECK-IN PROCEDURES
We recently upgraded our visitor management system in all school buildings so that each visitor must sign in and present a form of identification that is scanned and checked against a national database before entry is permitted.

SECURE ENTRANCES
While a few of our buildings will undergo construction to update main entrance security features this summer, most of our buildings currently have access into the main office rather than open access to the school upon entry.

There are currently camera systems in every building throughout the district and in all of our GJPS buses. Our buildings are equipped with secure door badge entry systems to prevent door propping and allow students to enter the building swiftly in case of an outdoor emergency.

UPDATED VOLUNTEER PROCEDURES
To increase safety and security protocols, all GJPS volunteers who may have the potential to interact with students in an unsupervised setting or may have access to confidential information will be required to complete an online application that includes a background check. The district will provide the background checks at no cost to the volunteer.

ADDITIONAL STAFF
GJPS has recently increased staffing to provide additional support in our schools at all levels.

3 Assistant Principals
Assists in the safety and welfare of students and staff.

5 Campus Supervisors
Provides additional supervision to students, staff, and grounds operations.

3 School Resource Officers
Maintains a first line of defense against violence, and fosters communication and partnerships between educators, law enforcement, students and famiLies.

1 Dean of Students
Provides student supervision and interventions to students experiencing problems in discipline and attendance at GLHS. Serves as a resource to teachers in their instructional practice, especially as it relates to issues of discipline, relationships with students, classroom management and school culture.

1 Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Provides support, collaboration and training to all educational professionals in the areas of Applied Behavior Analysis, Classroom Behavior Management, conducting Functional Behavior Assessments and developing and implementing effective, function-based Behavior Intervention Plans.

RISK ASSESSMENT
We have a safety protocol in place that our mental health team follows when students
make threats that could impact the health and safety of themselves or others.

This risk assessment involves an in-depth analysis of the situation, contact with families, and appropriate support to address the concern

Safe School Helpline
“If you see something, say something.”
One of our most important resources is the strong relationship with our students, families, staff and GJPS community. As a result, GJPS utilizes the Safe School Helpline to encourage our community to anonymously report anything that threatens the safety of our students, staff or schools.

1-800-418-6423 ext. 359
Safe School Helpline Information and FAQs

SIGNS OF SUICIDE
This proactive suicide prevention program is taught to all grade 7-10 students in the district and includes a screening assessment that allows us to identify students who may be at risk for mental health needs. When identified, students meet with a mental health provider for further evaluation and parents are notified of any safety concerns.

HOPE SQUAD
Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program implemented with our grade 9-12 students. This program consists of students nominated by their peers to serve in a trusted support role for students experiencing suicidal ideation. The peer mentors receive extensive, ongoing training on how to support their peers.

GREEN DOT
Green Dot is a bystander intervention program used at the high school level in grades 10-12. Students are trained in proactive ways to step in and support fellow students when situations arise that may become harmful.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENTS
We continue to have a strong relationship with the Gahanna Division of Police (GDP), and we appreciate their partnership in keeping our schools safe. Our administrative team works closely with GDP when issues arise that require the presence of law enforcement in any of our school buildings. We have three highly trained GPD School Resource Officers who work with our district.

The Mifflin Township Division of Fire provides fire and emergency medical services and prevention education to our GJPS schools. We value their professional advice when evaluating the safety and security of our buildings and procedures.

SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE NETWORK OF CENTRAL OHIO (SARNCO)
SARNCO provides advocacy and emotional support services for victims of sexual violence.We recently developed a partnership with SARNCO that enabled us to establish support in several areas.

Establish a Survivor Group
For high school students who have experienced sexual assault.

Obtain Resources
For our high school English teachers for a lesson on consent. This lesson was piloted in several classes with a plan to teach it universally next year.

Provide Parent Webinars
With an emphasis on healthy relationships