Physical Safety
In addition to following and practicing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), physical security and safety equipment are essential components in providing a safe and secure learning environment. Adams 12 Five Star Schools is committed to researching and implementing best practices; here are a few measures in place within our schools.
Physical Security
Building Access
Secure Vestibule: All schools have a secure vestibule at the main entrance. The secure vestibule provides an enclosed area to allow school staff to screen visitors before allowing them to pick up students or enter the school. While the exterior door of the vestibule is unlocked, the interior door of the secured vestibule remains locked until electronically or physically released by staff, stopping unauthorized individuals from gaining access to the interior of the school.
Aiphone/Transaction Window: Once inside the secure vestibule, visitors can contact staff through the transaction window or using the Aiphone, which has two-way communication and provides staff with a view of the caller to facilitate the screening process without coming into physical contact.
Raptor Visitor Management System: Visitors must provide a drivers license or state ID to be verified through the Raptor Visitor Management system before receiving a visitor pass. This system screens individuals against a nationwide sex offender database, and allows schools to know who is in their building at all times for safety purposes.
Exterior Doors: All exterior doors are locked during the school day except for the main door that leads into the secure vestibule. School staff are trained not to prop open exterior doors and only allow visitors to enter using the main entrance.
Card Readers: Used at designated exterior doors to provide access to authorized school/district personnel and prevent entry by lost or stolen keys. Staff and high school students must always wear an ID badge, and access can be immediately terminated, versus having to rekey physical locks.
Interior Doors: While class is in session, a recommended "best practice" is for interior doors to remain locked and closed. A closed and locked classroom door protects the students and staff by serving as a difficult-to-penetrate barrier. Additionally, all interior doors are fire-rated to safeguard occupants from smoke and flame.
Building Monitoring
Cameras: Located on the exterior of buildings and interior common spaces so that the school and the district can monitor for unusual events and emergencies. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, recordings are only available upon authorized request from law enforcement or an attorney.
Safety Activation System: Both the school and the district can trigger activation of a LockDown or Secure, which includes emergency notification to district security, an audible alert, disabled card access, and verification that all exterior doors, including into the secure vestibule, are locked.
Safety Equipment
Radios: All schools have portable radios and a base station to communicate inside and with the district. Additionally, the district has radio interoperability with the six law enforcement jurisdictions that protect Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Radios provide instant communication between school administrators, security, and first responders, allowing multiple individuals to be in simultaneous contact.
Emergency Aid Equipment: School staff have, and are trained to use safety equipment necessary to provide immediate intervention for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, or a severe injury. Schools have both Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Stop-the-Bleed Kits. These items are in addition to the equipment and kits provided to school nurses, health aides, trainers, etc.
Emergency Kits: Emergencies may take time to resolve. To address necessities, a kit with supplies is in every classroom for students and staff when facilities are unavailable.