Safety and Security
The safety of students and staff is Franklin Pierce Schools' number one priority. Our continuing goal is to provide our 8,000 students with a healthy learning environment both during school hours and at after school and evening activities. We want all our students and staff to feel connected and receive any support that they need. Information found in this section of the website will assist parents and families in school safety and in the event of an emergency.
If you see something, say something!
Katie Gillespie
Director of Safety, Security and Emergency Management
315 129th St. S Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-3000
What is FPS doing about student safety?
- Safety Personnel
- Safety Planning
- Safe Buildings
- Safety Support
- Safety Coordination
- Safety Communication
Safety Personnel
Did you know that Franklin Pierce Schools has a Safety, Security and Emergency Management Director, 2 School Resource Officers (PCSD Deputy), and 5 security officers at our middle and high schools?
Safety Resources
Schedule Changes
In the event of an emergency, Franklin Pierce School District may change the scheduled start times. The following are types of schedule changes that may occur:
Two Hours Late: Schools will be open and buses will begin their routes two hours late at regularly scheduled stops.
Schools Closed: No schools will be in session in the Franklin Pierce School District. This applies only to the day that the announcement is made. No transportation will be provided to the schools. The district will communicate whether evening or after-school activities will be held.
Limited Bus Transportation: Schools will be open, but there will be limited transportation, buses will stop at regular stops with an exception of the determined routes.
Evening Activities Canceled: The district has determined that conditions are not suitable for evening or after-school activities to be held.
No Announcement:Schools will conduct their normal schedules.
Emergency Procedures
LockdownA full lockdown is a method of securing the campus when there is an emergency or event in the immediate area where the school campus may be at risk. During a lockdown, students and staff will remain in classrooms behind locked doors, staying quiet and out of sight. Windows and blinds will be closed and lights are turned off. During the lockdown, there will be restricted access from both in and out of the building and classrooms.
During a modified lockdown, students and staff will remain inside a school or district facility. Daily activities will usually continue; however, there is restricted access both in and out of the building(s). Exterior windows and blinds will be closed and exterior doors will be locked.
EvacuationA school building evacuation will occur in the event of a safety hazard to the school. Staff and students will leave the building immediately by way of a predetermined route and assemble in a predetermined area. Attendance will be taken to ensure that all staff and students have safely exited the building.
EarthquakeDrop, cover under a desk or table, and hold. Steer clear of windows. Students and staff will evacuate only if instructed to do so. When instructed to evacuate, students and staff will report to the designated assembly location.
FireIn the event of a fire, students and staff will follow the evacuation route procedures. Each teacher will initiate a roll call and account for every student present. Students and staff will only re-enter the building(s) if declared safe by fire service personnel. If the school needs to be closed, parents and guardians will be notified, and students will be transported to another location or home..
Shelter in Place
A school may use “shelter-in-place” to temporarily separate students and staff from severe weather or hazardous materials released into the outdoor atmosphere. Students and staff will remain in the building until authorities notify that it is safe to leave. No one will be allowed in or out of the building. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system will be shut down, and all windows, exterior doors, and any other openings to the outside will be closed and locked.
Reunification
Reunification sites are utilized anytime a school must be evacuated and it is determined that it is not safe to return to the school. Students will be bussed or transported to the reunification site. In the instance that students are evacuated from the school and transported to a reunification site, parents should only respond to the reunification site. Do not come to the school grounds. We will notify parents using the contact information you have previously provided to the school.
Information about what to expect when picking up your student at a reunification site:
- For your security and safety, the reunification process will be very regulated. Students will only be released to parents and guardians listed under the emergency contact information provided in Skyward Family Access.
- Do not send relatives or friends to pick up your student unless they are listed as an emergency contact.
- Please be patient, the reunification process can take several hours.
Reuniting your family is of the utmost importance to the Franklin Pierce School District staff and we will work as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Threat AssessmentThreat assessment is used as a method of assessing the type and level of a threat of a student or to a student. The threat assessment process includes: gathering information, screening, an in-depth assessment, and notification to administration and to the parent/guardian(s).
Inclement WeatherIn the event of inclement weather, school start times may be changed or schools may be closed. Please refer to the list of types of schedule changes for more information.
Utility OutagesA utility outage can be a short- or long-term loss of utilities to an area. In the event of a utility outage, immediate action will be taken based on the utility outage for the safety of students and staff. Depending on the events, students and staff may have to shelter in place. Turn off computers, lights, and electrical devices.
Harassment Intimidation and Bullying
Franklin Pierce Schools strives to provide students with optimal conditions for learning by maintaining a school environment where everyone is treated with respect and no one is physically or emotionally harmed.
We encourage students, families, or staff to use Incident Reporting Forms to report all incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any intentional electronic, written, verbal, auditory or physical act that:
- Physically harms a student; or
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
- Is so severe, persistent or pervasive, that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Safe Schools Alert
Our School Resource Officers work closely with school administration and staff to find solutions and help students. The benefit of having the presence of our SROs at our schools is that they can develop a relationship with students where students can get to know the officers and become comfortable with providing information on potential issues. These positive relationships will help prevent and reduce school violence.
Our district uses SafeSchools Alert, a tip reporting service that allows students, staff, and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration four different ways:
1. Phone: 253-693-4625
2. Text: 253-693-4625
3. Email: 1182@alert1.us
4. Web: http://1182.alert1.us
You or your child can easily report tips on bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism or any safety issue you're concerned about through SafeSchools Alert.
Every tip SafeSchools Alert receives about our district is immediately logged in the system and our administration is notified so that they can investigate and take appropriate action. If you prefer, tips may also be submitted anonymously.