Safety Protocols at ECS 2023

Amanda Cribbs, EdD
Superintendent

Email: amanda.cribbs@ecspgh.org

Phone: x557

Dear ECS Families,

During the first two weeks of school, the district has experienced a couple of varying levels of incidents, and as we continue to see an increase in acts of violence within our country, we recognize that anxiety and fear exist in our schools, spaces, and communities. With this in mind, today’s communication reflects on the topic of general school safety at a district-wide level.

At ECS, we prioritize safety, and the district is committed to the procedures and protocols below.

Efficient and Effective Communication

In the event of a perceived safety concern, ECS’s standard practice is to diligently gather facts and alert those who are directly impacted in a timely manner. When it is possible to provide a follow-up message, we do so as soon as possible and will include as much information as we are able to share. We know that some individuals would like additional or more specific details about the incident and/or consequences. We are dedicated to balancing community awareness and your right to information with privacy rights. For serious infractions, ECS institutes the appropriate action that aligns with the district’s discipline policy, located on page 34 of the family handbook. 

Please know that every situation is unique and requires varied approaches. Depending on the situation, ECS will either communicate via email or robocall/text message based on your self-selected preferences in Alma.

Layered Safety Strategies

At ECS, we use a multi-layered approach like a filter to identify, resolve, and mitigate threats. This method includes wellbeing, classroom safety, internal building safety, external safety, cyber safety, and safety management. Each component works together to maintain a secure campus and helps keep our students, staff, and visitors safe. Examples include but are not limited to:

Wellbeing

  • Threat Assessment

  • 1 Counselor Per Building

  • 1 Social Worker Per Building

Classroom Safety

  • Door Locks

  • Go Bags and Walkie Talkies

  • Trained Staff

Internal Building

  • Hall Monitors and Contracted Security Officers

  • Trauma Informed Drills

  • I.D. Badging

External Safety

  • Entry Control

  • Internal & External Security Cameras

  • Access Control

Cyber Safety

  • Data Loss Prevention

  • Threat Detection

  • In School Cyber management

Safety Management

  • Crisis Management Team

  • Standard Response Protocol

  • Emergency Operations Plan

Anyone in the community is highly encouraged to reach out if there is a health or safety concern. Individually, the district counts on our students alerting trusted adults or submitting a tip to Safe to Say when they become aware of a safety concern on campus. The program is monitored 24/7, all information is shared with building leadership immediately, and staff receive phone calls if any life safety tip is submitted. 

In the event additional security measures are required due to a concern, ECS will not disclose specific information to ensure the smooth implementation of the precautions. For example, ECS will not alert families of the security team’s schedule or specific rounds that they complete.

ECS also cultivates a positive school-wide culture at each building that focuses on age-appropriate connections. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) are in place at each building and strengthen relationships that not only help students identify a trusted adult but also develop community.

Adhering to a Standard Response Protocol

ECS has adopted the “I Love U Guys'' Foundation's Standard Response Protocol which is based on an all-hazards approach. The district is in the process of ensuring all staff are trained and use universal terminology. Families are encouraged to review the protocol to learn more about the common language that is used in the event of a situation. Please know if ECS calls for one of the listed responses, it will always communicate what it means.    

Completing a Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan

Every year, ECS reviews its crisis manual to determine evolving factors and make necessary updates. In collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police Department and Homeland Security, the district also completes a risk and vulnerability assessment on a cyclical basis. The district is in the process of transitioning its crisis manual into a comprehensive emergency operations plan that aligns with the district’s adoption of the “I Love U Guys'' Foundations' Standard Response Protocol. 

In the coming months, ECS hopes to provide a dedicated space on its family portal to house the information reviewed in this communication. School safety is ever-changing and as we navigate each distinctive situation, know that ECS’s top priority is always the safety, security, and well-being of all of its students, staff, and families. While there is no “one size fits all” procedure, ECS has protocols in place to help guide decision-making to foster a happy, healthy learning environment. Thank you for your continued support and as always, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.

Sincerely, 

Amanda Cribbs, EdD

Superintendent

District Communication, SafetyDeana CallipareComment