2023/2024 School Safety and Security Update from Superintendent Rabbideau
2023/2024 School Safety and Security Update from Superintendent Rabbideau
July 26, 2023
Dear APS Parents, Staff, and Students,
At Alpena Public Schools, we are continuously working to ensure that we are providing a safe and secure environment for our students and staff. Our safety and security practices and procedures are regularly assessed and modified in partnership with our local law enforcement and emergency response agencies. Preventing and preparing for school emergencies is a complex and ever changing process, and we are fortunate to have a strong working relationship with our local agencies.
When we open the 2023-24 school year, with the completion of the secure vestibule at Besser Elementary this summer, all elementary school buildings and the junior high will have secure vestibules. The high school has secured entrances and is scheduled to have a secure vestibule installed in the summer of 2024.
Below are a few highlights of training our staff will undergo this year, some changes and additions to our safety and security practices, and some reminders to all about security practices.
Training for Staff:
All APS staff will participate in Michigan State Police Civilian Response to Active Shooter training before the students return for the 2023-24 school year.
Staff will receive AED and Stop the Bleed Training for medical emergencies.
All staff will regularly review our Emergency Operations Plan.
Changes to safety and security practices for the 2023-24 school year:
Students will be allowed to carry backpacks grades 6-12. We encourage students to use clear backpacks and use their lockers.
Vape detectors will be in use at Thunder Bay Junior High and Alpena High.
Enhancements are being made to building fire alarms to immediately notify fire departments of an active fire alarm.
Besser Elementary will have a secure vestibule entrance.
Security Practice Reminders:
Secure entries will be utilized. Staff, students, and guests are prohibited from opening exterior doors for anyone.
All visitors to buildings will be expected to present ID for verification and background check by our Raptor Technology system.
Exterior doors are expected to be locked and closed unless monitored in person.
All authorized adults in buildings will have APS name badges or visitor ID tags on their person in a highly visible location.
We would also like to remind everyone that our students, staff, and families are our best preventative resource. If you see or hear something that is concerning, report it.
On behalf of all of us here at Alpena Public Schools, we look forward to working with you to make the 2023-24 school year a safe, educational, and wonderful experience for all.
Sincerely,
Dave Rabbideau, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Alpena Public Schools
