Safe Schools

The Governor Mifflin School District believes that students should feel safe coming to school. We believe that safe and successful schools go beyond security measures. The district uses an ongoing approach to assess our efforts to provide an environment that accounts for both the psychological and physical safety of our students and staff. Work is done daily to reaffirm our commitment to this ongoing and ever-evolving effort. The following is a dynamic representation of the work that is being done and that will continue to develop as we review our practices and further strengthen this commitment. We have divided the work into four key areas, each with efforts that are collaborative across buildings, departments, and staff:

• Facilities that keep our students and staff secure
• Education as our best prevention
• Collaborating with our community
• Learning, practicing, and staffing for our response

• Governor Mifflin School District maintains a single, locked entry procedure to school buildings throughout each school day. Entry security is enhanced at each building with video surveillance cameras and the use of the Verkada visitor management system in all buildings. 
   
• Staff is attentive to any suspicious behavior and encouraged to contact administration with any concerns.
   
• Staff have the Emergency Operations Plan Action Guide readily available and are familiar with Standard Response Protocols and Standard Reunification Method.
   
• Standard Response Protocols for Parents
   
• Fire Drills are conducted in each school building once per month, and staff and students are familiar with safety procedures.
   
• School Police Officers conduct age appropriate training on a variety of safety-related topics for students, staff, and community members such as The Dangers of Vaping, Internet Safety and Human Trafficking.
   
• The Governor Mifflin School District has partnered with the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign and the Berks County District Attorney’s office to bring awareness to and combat Human Trafficking.
• School Security Drills are completed in each school building within 90 days of the commencement date of the school year and are typically done in the first week and again after the New Year.
   
• Bus Evacuation drills are conducted twice during the school year, once in the first week of school and again during the month of March.
   
• Two hours of in person or virtual training is conducted on topics such as:  situational awareness, trauma-informed approaches, behavioral health, suicide, bullying awareness and substance use awareness.
   
• One hour of in person training annually on emergency preparedness, and Standard Response Protocols per the Emergency Operations Plan.
   
• Building administrators and secretarial staff are vigilant at maintaining familiarization with custody agreements and other court-ordered restrictions limiting contact with students under their supervision.
   
• Governor Mifflin School District Administration and the School Police Officers maintain close working relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
   
• The school police officers continually evaluate building security and student safety throughout each school day.
   
• Governor Mifflin employs two Social Workers and has an outside organization to provide School Based Therapy for students in need.
   
• Trained Threat Assessment Teams by Jeffrey Reichart
   
• The Office of Safe Schools partners with the Berks County Intermediate Unit and/or Pennsylvania State Police to complete a risk and vulnerability assessment of all school buildings.
   
• The Governor Mifflin School District participates in the ongoing countywide initiative to standardize Emergency Operation Plans for Berks school districts. This initiative is being organized through the Berks County Intermediate Unit in conjunction with county school districts, police agencies, first responders and the Berks County Mental Health Agency.