Standard 4: Safety and Security
This article outlines basic safety and security standards for private Christian schools. It is designed to support a safe environment that honors our biblical values while providing a secure space for students, staff, and visitors.
1. Check-In / Check-Out Policy
Goal: Manage who enters and exits the campus during school hours.
Visitors must check in at the main office, show ID, and wear a visitor badge.
Only approved individuals may pick up students and must show ID.
Students leaving early must be signed out by someone authorized.
2. Lockdown Procedures
Goal: Keep everyone safe during serious threats.
Lockdowns are announced by administration when danger is present.
Teachers lock doors, turn off lights, and keep students quiet and out of sight.
No one may enter or leave a room until an “all clear” is given.
Exterior doors stay locked during the school day.
3. Drills and Door Security
Goal: Be ready for emergencies and keep doors secure.
Fire, tornado, and lockdown drills are held regularly based on local guidelines.
Teachers review drill plans with students each semester.
Doors should lock from the inside and be kept shut when not in use.
Door closers should be installed where possible.
4. Two-Person Policy
Goal: Prevent inappropriate situations and protect students and staff.
Adults should never be alone with a student in a private setting.
Two approved adults must be present during counseling or discipline.
Rooms used for student meetings must have visibility (e.g., door windows or cameras).
Volunteers must complete training before working with students.
5. Camera Use
Goal: Help monitor key areas and deter unsafe behavior.
Cameras are placed in public zones like entrances, halls, classrooms, and playgrounds.
No cameras are allowed in restrooms.
Footage may be reviewed by administration or shared with law enforcement as needed.
Video is stored and used according to school policy.
6. Windows on Doors
Goal: Keep student interactions visible and accountable.
Classrooms and offices should have windows or partial visibility.
Windows should not be covered unless under lockdown.
Counseling spaces should be visible and located near other staff.
7. Background Checks
Goal: Ensure only qualified and safe adults interact with students.
All staff and volunteers must pass a background check before starting.
Checks are renewed every two years.
Anyone with a history of violence, abuse, or sexual offenses is disqualified.
8. Backpack Policy
Goal: Prevent contraband and maintain a secure classroom environment.
Backpacks are stored in lockers or designated areas.
The school reserves the right to search and seizure. This includes, but is not limited to backpacks, bags, lockers, or personal items on campus.
Clear or mesh backpacks may be required for upper-grade students.
Possession of banned items (weapons, drugs, vapes, etc.) will result in disciplinary action.
9. Cell Phone Use
Goal: Reduce distractions and maintain focus and safety.
Students may not possess a cell phone during school hours, unless allowed by a teacher.
Phones should be placed under the supervision of the staff during the school day.
Students may not record others without permission.
10. Internet Use Protocol
Goal: Protect students online and keep school technology safe.
School internet use must be educational and appropriate.
Internet traffic is filtered to block harmful content:
Pornography and explicit material
Violence, hate, and criminal content
Drugs, gambling, and alcohol
Social media and dating sites
VPNs or tools used to get around filters
Safe Search is enforced on all school devices.
Students must use their school accounts.
Installing outside software or extensions is not allowed.
All internet activity may be monitored. Students should not expect privacy on school devices.
Parents will be informed about internet safety efforts and may request reports.
Misuse of internet access may lead to disciplinary action or loss of privileges.
11. Abuse Prevention Policy
Purpose: To protect students from all forms of abuse and maintain a culture of safety.
11.1 Mandated Reporting
All staff and volunteers are required to report suspected abuse or neglect immediately to proper authorities.
Verbal reports must be followed by written documentation within 24 hours.
11.2 Screening and Training
All adults working with students undergo background checks and abuse prevention training.
Training covers both Christian ethics and legal duties.
11.3 Supervision and Conduct
Adults must not be alone with a child out of sight of others.
Physical contact should be appropriate and never forceful.
One-on-one meetings must happen in rooms with visibility.
Staff must not message students privately or give gifts without approval.
11.4 Communication and Reporting
Digital communication with students must go through school-approved systems. Do not allow school staff to "friend" students on Social Media.
Concerning messages must be reported.
Students and staff should be taught about personal boundaries and how to report abuse.
11.5 Responding to Abuse
Do not investigate or confront the accused directly.
Report concerns to child protection authorities and school leadership.
Keep the information private and report only facts.
11.6 Protection for Reporters
No one who reports abuse in good faith will face punishment or retaliation. National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
12. School Facility Safety
12.1 Building Access and Exits
Entrances must be secured during school hours; visitors enter through the main office.
Emergency exits must remain clear and unlocked (with alarms).
Exit signs must be lit and evacuation maps posted in halls and classrooms.
Staff must report any suspicious or unknown individuals.
12.2 Cleanliness and Order
Hallways, restrooms, and classrooms must be clean and safe.
Trash and recycling must be handled daily.
Water fountains and bottle fillers must be functional and cleaned regularly.
12.3 Trip Hazards and Cord Safety
Cords should be secured away from foot traffic.
Rugs and furniture must be arranged to prevent tripping.
Walkways and stairways must remain clear.
12.4 Room Access
All frequently used spaces must meet ADA accessibility standards.
Restricted areas (mechanical, IT, supply storage) must remain locked.
Students are only allowed in areas appropriate for their age and role.
12.5 Safety Checks
Staff complete daily checks for doors, signage, hazards, and supplies.
All hazards or security issues are reported to the office immediately.
A monthly review of safety concerns should be conducted by leadership.
12.6 Staff Training
All staff receive yearly training on:
Evacuation plans
Reporting hazards
Securing restricted areas
Facility safety and cleanliness
Visitors must check in at the main office, show ID, and wear a visitor badge.
Only approved individuals may pick up students and must show ID.
Students leaving early must be signed out by someone authorized.
Lockdowns are announced by administration when danger is present.
Teachers lock doors, turn off lights, and keep students quiet and out of sight.
No one may enter or leave a room until an “all clear” is given.
Exterior doors stay locked during the school day.
Fire, tornado, and lockdown drills are held regularly based on local guidelines.
Teachers review drill plans with students each semester.
Doors should lock from the inside and be kept shut when not in use.
Door closers should be installed where possible.
Adults should never be alone with a student in a private setting.
Two approved adults must be present during counseling or discipline.
Rooms used for student meetings must have visibility (e.g., door windows or cameras).
Volunteers must complete training before working with students.
Cameras are placed in public zones like entrances, halls, classrooms, and playgrounds.
No cameras are allowed in restrooms.
Footage may be reviewed by administration or shared with law enforcement as needed.
Video is stored and used according to school policy.
Classrooms and offices should have windows or partial visibility.
Windows should not be covered unless under lockdown.
Counseling spaces should be visible and located near other staff.
All staff and volunteers must pass a background check before starting.
Checks are renewed every two years.
Anyone with a history of violence, abuse, or sexual offenses is disqualified.
Backpacks are stored in lockers or designated areas.
The school reserves the right to search and seizure. This includes, but is not limited to backpacks, bags, lockers, or personal items on campus.
Clear or mesh backpacks may be required for upper-grade students.
Possession of banned items (weapons, drugs, vapes, etc.) will result in disciplinary action.
Students may not possess a cell phone during school hours, unless allowed by a teacher.
Phones should be placed under the supervision of the staff during the school day.
Students may not record others without permission.
School internet use must be educational and appropriate.
Internet traffic is filtered to block harmful content:
Pornography and explicit material
Violence, hate, and criminal content
Drugs, gambling, and alcohol
Social media and dating sites
VPNs or tools used to get around filters
Safe Search is enforced on all school devices.
Students must use their school accounts.
Installing outside software or extensions is not allowed.
All internet activity may be monitored. Students should not expect privacy on school devices.
Parents will be informed about internet safety efforts and may request reports.
Misuse of internet access may lead to disciplinary action or loss of privileges.
11. Abuse Prevention Policy
All staff and volunteers are required to report suspected abuse or neglect immediately to proper authorities.
Verbal reports must be followed by written documentation within 24 hours.
All adults working with students undergo background checks and abuse prevention training.
Training covers both Christian ethics and legal duties.
Adults must not be alone with a child out of sight of others.
Physical contact should be appropriate and never forceful.
One-on-one meetings must happen in rooms with visibility.
Staff must not message students privately or give gifts without approval.
Digital communication with students must go through school-approved systems. Do not allow school staff to "friend" students on Social Media.
Concerning messages must be reported.
Students and staff should be taught about personal boundaries and how to report abuse.
Do not investigate or confront the accused directly.
Report concerns to child protection authorities and school leadership.
Keep the information private and report only facts.
No one who reports abuse in good faith will face punishment or retaliation. National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Entrances must be secured during school hours; visitors enter through the main office.
Emergency exits must remain clear and unlocked (with alarms).
Exit signs must be lit and evacuation maps posted in halls and classrooms.
Staff must report any suspicious or unknown individuals.
Hallways, restrooms, and classrooms must be clean and safe.
Trash and recycling must be handled daily.
Water fountains and bottle fillers must be functional and cleaned regularly.
Cords should be secured away from foot traffic.
Rugs and furniture must be arranged to prevent tripping.
Walkways and stairways must remain clear.
All frequently used spaces must meet ADA accessibility standards.
Restricted areas (mechanical, IT, supply storage) must remain locked.
Students are only allowed in areas appropriate for their age and role.
Staff complete daily checks for doors, signage, hazards, and supplies.
All hazards or security issues are reported to the office immediately.
A monthly review of safety concerns should be conducted by leadership.
All staff receive yearly training on:
Evacuation plans
Reporting hazards
Securing restricted areas
Facility safety and cleanliness