Safety, Wellness and Tips for Students and Families
Safety Tips for Students and Families
Transit Safety
Safety Reminders as you travel to and from school:
It is important to follow safety precautions when walking, or riding your bike to and from school:
- Wear a brightly colored jacket, or wear reflective gear. Consider wearing clothing and shoes that you can move freely and quickly in, especially when walking or waiting for the bus.
- Carry a flashlight.
- Choose and plan the safest route, make sure your parents know your route and use it consistently. A safe route is well lit. Avoid shortcuts.
- Do not listen to your headphones while walking. You want to be able to hear what is going on around you.
- Do not text while walking to school.
- Walk only on the sidewalk, not the middle of the street. Avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots, garages and alleyways.
- Walk with a friend or in a group.
- If you ride a bike, wear a helmet.
- Look all ways before crossing the street.
- Pay close attention to your surroundings, avoid “auto pilot.”
- Walk with a purpose, confidently. Project an assertive, business-like image. Scan your surroundings and make eye contact with people.
- Carry minimal items; overloading yourself can make you appear vulnerable.
- Develop a plan before you see trouble. Crossing a street or entering a store may get you out of a potentially bad situation.
- If a car follows you or beckons you while you are walking, do not approach it. Instead, turn and quickly walk the opposite direction.
- If you have a cell phone, program the school’s number into your phone to report any issues. 206-252-9000
If you would like help getting a flash light or reflective gear, see Ms. Taylor with Communities in Schools. Remember, we care about your safety. Be safe, be aware, and report any suspicious activities or individuals to a school official right away.
Student and School Safety
Safety and wellness is a top priority for Seattle Public Schools. Students are more likely to be successful when they feel safe and welcome at school.
SPS Safety and Wellness Announcements and Resources
The Safety and Security Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
206-252-0510
What Families Can Do
Understandably, we are all experiencing a heightened sense of concern for student and staff safety due to current issues and events. We encourage parents and guardians to keep an open line of communication with your children.
We all play a role in school safety.
It is important that everyone in our school knows and follows our safety procedures and processes.
- All visitors should sign in at the main office when on campus.
- All adults should wear SPS staff or visitor identification while in school buildings.
- School exterior doors should be kept closed and locked.
- Please let your school leader and school staff know if you have concerns or questions regarding student safety and well-being.
- Safety concerns should be reported right away by calling 911 or the Safe Schools Hotline (206-252-0510).
- Mobile App for anonymous safety reporting app for our community. To download the app, open your phone’s app store and search “Seattle Public Schools.” You may also use the universal link to download the app.
Read Recent District Safety and Wellness Announcements
Opioid and Fentanyl Awareness and Resources
What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid drug that is approximately 100 times more powerful than other opioids.
Are Young People Misusing Opioids? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, teens and young adults are the biggest misusers of prescription pain medication.
Resources:
- Learn more about opioids and overdose prevention on the SPS Prevention and Intervention webpage.
- Washington State Department of Health Opioid and Prescription Drug Overdose Data
If you share a home with young people, you can prevent accidental and intentional use by reducing access to substances.
Safe storage of medicationsCommunications and Who to Contact
Who to contact to help resolve concerns
Be sure your school has your current telephone number and emergency contact information. Contact your school to update your contact information. Learn more about staying connected with Seattle Public Schools.
Personal Safety Tips for Children and Families
You can help your student(s) stay safe by talking to them about personal safety. Some tips to discuss include:
- Report incidents as soon as they happen.
- Be aware of surroundings.
- Not talking to strangers or going anywhere with them.
- Walking to school or activities in pairs or groups.
Reporting bullying or discrimination
Contact the Office of Student Civil Rights for concerns about
- Bullying
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Intimidation
- Sexual Assault
Reports can be made verbally or in writing.
District Policies and Procedures
The district is committed to our long-established focus on safety and security for all students and staff. You may want to learn more about our polices and procedures around student and school safety. Below are district resources, board policies and procedures around student and school safety.
Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
No Tolerance Policy Against Firearms and Dangerous Weapons
Seattle Public Schools has a no tolerance policy against firearms and dangerous weapons and Superintendent Procedure regarding weapons on its campuses and at District-sponsored activities.
Learn how you can play a role in preventing firearm-related injuries and deaths in our communities.
Firearm Safety