School Safety

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.

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

• 1 Counselor Per Building

• 1 Social Worker Per Building

• Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

• Behavioral Threat Assessment Team

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 and 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

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.

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.