Security Matters:  A School Safety Blog

With summer on the horizon, school leaders and their teams have a valuable opportunity to evaluate, update and set plans in motion to enhance school safety for the year ahead. With the right preparation and a well-rounded approach schools can make a meaningful difference now for the upcoming school year.

Using the six key areas of school safety from Safe and Sound Schools, I’ll walk you through some practical tips to build a well-rounded safety plan that fits the unique challenges schools face today.

1. Mental & Behavioral Health

Providing accessible mental health resources, such as counseling services and trauma-informed programs, while actively addressing the stigma around seeking help, can play a needed role in recognizing early signs of mental health challenges. By building a culture of awareness and support, schools can create safer and more caring spaces where everyone can thrive.

Action Tip: Put together a mental health response team with school counselors, social workers, and trained teachers. Their job? Keeping an eye on students' well-being, stepping in early when needed, and teaming up with local mental health organizations. With ongoing training and teamwork, schools can create a strong support system for mental health.

2. Health & Wellness

Supporting students' physical health and wellness is key to helping them learn and thrive. Schools can make a big difference by promoting good hygiene, providing access to healthy food, and encouraging regular physical activity. When we tackle health issues early on, students miss less school and classrooms become more productive.

Action Tip: Start by introducing wellness programs like health education and fitness activities. These small steps can make a big difference in reducing sick days and creating a positive, productive environment.

3. Physical Safety & Security

From school perimeters to systems that control access, every detail matters in creating a secure learning space. Advanced tools like School Visitor Management Systems and Volunteer Management Systems play a pivotal role in monitoring and managing who enters and exits the campus. Digital Hall Pass solutions provide real-time awareness of student movements, reducing unauthorized wandering and enhancing accountability. Complementing these tools with regular training on security procedures further reinforces preparedness.

Action Tip: Summer’s a great time to check in on your safety systems! Take a look at things like visitor check-in policies, hall monitoring, and emergency response plans. Regular drills and training can help everyone stay prepared and confident if the unexpected happens.

4. Culture, Climate & Community

Creating a positive, inclusive school culture is all about building trust, respect, and teamwork. When a school feels like a strong community, everyone feels safer and more proud to be part of it. Programs that tackle bullying and encourage acceptance help make sure it’s a supportive space for everyone.

Action Tip: Try hosting community events like forums or workshops to connect with parents, students, and local organizations. These gatherings are a great way to build relationships and find new ways to work together.

5. Leadership, Law & Policy

Strong leadership and adherence to laws and policies ensure that safety strategies are consistent, enforceable, and effective. From compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations to clear policies for responding to incidents, school leaders must be well-versed in requirements and prepared to act decisively. 

Action Tip: Use the summer to review and revise policies covering emergency preparedness, bullying prevention, and anti-harassment measures. Plan leadership training sessions to enhance crisis management skills among administrators. 

6. Operations & Emergency Management

A solid operations plan is key to helping schools handle emergencies quickly and effectively. Whether it’s an active threat or a weather emergency, having a clear strategy in place keeps students and educators safe. Tools like advanced Emergency Management Systems make it even easier to stay prepared, with structured protocols designed for an organized, fast response when it matters most.

Action Tip: Run tabletop exercises and hands-on training so staff can practice in realistic scenarios. Make sure your emergency plans are always up-to-date and clearly communicated to everyone involved.

Financial Support for School Safety Initiatives

Implementing school safety measures often requires resources beyond existing budgets. The good news? There are ways to secure funding. Federal and state programs like the STOP School Violence Grants and ESSER funds are great places to start. You can also look into private or corporate grants that focus on education and safety. Partnering with local businesses, nonprofits, and PTO/PTA groups can also generate both financial and in-kind support.

School Safety.gov’s Grants Finder Tool helps you find applicable funding opportunities to help keep your school community safe. It’s an easy way to browse federal school safety grants based on topics, award amounts, application effort and more.

Moving Toward a Holistic Approach to School Safety

School safety isn’t just about installing security systems or running drills—it’s about creating a place where students and staff feel protected and supported. By planning strategically during the summer, schools can create learning spaces where everyone feels safe to grow, learn, and thrive!

At School Gate Guardian, we are committed to providing the tools and technology that schools need to protect their communities and keep everyone safe.

About the Author:

Amanda Gonzalez has steadily advanced through key roles at School Gate Guardian, showcasing her expertise and dedication to school safety. Beginning her career as a Technical Support Specialist, she excelled at resolving technical issues, configuring systems, and training end users on SGG software. Her leadership as Director of Support further elevated the company’s service quality by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the support team. Now serving as Director of Sales, Amanda focuses on maintaining strong customer relationships. Passionate about creating safer school environments, Amanda remains committed to delivering SGG’s innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of today’s schools.