Safety & Security
Safety is our number one priority in Ferndale Schools. We work tirelessly to ensure the physical, emotional, and social safety of our students and staff. We believe safety is a community effort and responsibility and thank you for your partnership.
Key Elements of Safety in Ferndale Schools
This list is not comprehensive. In an effort to maintain the highest level of security, we do not share all of our security measures with the public.
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Arrival and dismissal are monitored by administration and staff members, who are outside and in hallways.
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Once school begins, all school doors are locked throughout the school day. We have now begun regular spot checks to ensure compliance.
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During the school day, families and visitors are screened by ringing a doorbell at the main entrance to request access. The door is monitored by office personnel who observe and ask for name identification via our camera and intercom system. Unrecognized or unverified guests are not granted access.
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Each building maintains an emergency preparedness plan that addresses crisis situations.
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Each classroom in the district has a prepared Yellow Emergency Bag that is in a visible place. It contains district emergency management guide, school crisis plan, student emergency cards, contact numbers, and first aid items. This bag is carried on all drill procedures and taken on all field trips.
There are some differences between elementary and secondary bags. -
Drills are conducted on a regular basis in protocols that apply to each building. At this time, we are working in partnership with Ferndale Police Department to look at other trainings that would support additional guidelines in case of a crisis.
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Our district is very fortunate to have a valuable, long standing partnership with the Ferndale Police Department. This partnership allows ongoing conversation and access to necessary support. We have made our school buildings available to the Ferndale Police Department and others for a variety of crisis response trainings to maintain preparedness for local law enforcement.
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All schools are equipped with interior and exterior video cameras. The cameras are monitored by administration and the Director of Operations to ensure safety.
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A variety of reporting procedures are in place. Please review the Ferndale Schools Reporting Supports.
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Our students take part in daily ‘Morning Meetings’ and/or Impact Hour class. This format allows our students to have dedicated time to focus on social and emotional skills that teach how to manage and respond to emotions. Having daily conversations and ongoing activities provide our students with the physical, emotional and cognitive skills necessary to handle a variety of life’s ups/downs.
How Can I Help?
This is a great question! In times like these, we often feel helpless, but there's actually a lot you can do!
Join the Conversation
Contact your legislators to let them know that this needs to be a top priority in their discussions in Lansing and Washington.
- To find your representative, visit the Michigan House of Representative directory and enter your house address.
- To find your senator, visit the Michigan State Senator directory and enter your house address.
- To contact Governor Snyder, his information can be found on his contact page.
If You See Something, Say Something
Continue to report issues of concern to our staff or via OK2SAY. To report a concern, please call (855) 565-2729, text 652729, email ok2say@mi.gov, or visit the OK2Say webpage.
Follow Safety Protocols and Ask Others to Do the Same
Do not hold the door open for the person behind you. It is important that every person goes through our entrance protocol. We ask that you sacrifice this small courtesy for our collective safety.
We do not need to sacrifice our community values for security. If you find someone propping open a door or feel uncomfortable not holding open the door for someone behind you, we encourage you to introduce yourself and have a conversation about your safety concerns. When entering the building, you are welcome to go through the security procedure together. We build stronger communities by getting to know our neighbors.
Help Reassure Your Child of Their Safety in Our Schools
School is still statistically the safest place for children to be. Remind them that we care about them and we are committed to keeping them safe.
If a violent trauma occurs, it is critical for parents and guardians to help re-establish a sense of security. Some guidance can be found in this Tip Sheet from the National Association of School Psychologists. Our school psychologists are also an excellent resource.
Student Services Staff
Early Childhood Center
Ferndale Lower Elementary
Ferndale Upper Elementary
Ferndale Middle School
Ferndale High School
University High School
Oakland Schools
Key Elements of Safety in Ferndale Schools
-
Arrival and dismissal are monitored by administration and staff members, who are outside and in hallways.
-
Once school begins, all school doors are locked throughout the school day. We have now begun regular spot checks to ensure compliance.
-
During the school day, families and visitors are screened by ringing a doorbell at the main entrance to request access. The door is monitored by office personnel who observe and ask for name identification via our camera and intercom system. Unrecognized or unverified guests are not granted access.
-
Each building maintains an emergency preparedness plan that addresses crisis situations.
-
Each classroom in the district has a prepared Yellow Emergency Bag that is in a visible place. It contains district emergency management guide, school crisis plan, student emergency cards, contact numbers, and first aid items. This bag is carried on all drill procedures and taken on all field trips.
There are some differences between elementary and secondary bags. -
Drills are conducted on a regular basis in protocols that apply to each building. At this time, we are working in partnership with Ferndale Police Department to look at other trainings that would support additional guidelines in case of a crisis.
-
Our district is very fortunate to have a valuable, long-standing partnership with the Ferndale Police Department. This partnership allows ongoing conversation and access to necessary support. We have made our school buildings available to the Ferndale Police Department and others for a variety of crisis response trainings to maintain preparedness for local law enforcement.
-
All schools are equipped with interior and exterior video cameras. The cameras are monitored by administration and the Director of Operations to ensure safety.
-
A variety of reporting procedures are in place. Please review the Ferndale Schools Reporting Supports.
-
Our students take part in daily ‘Morning Meetings’ and/or Impact Hour class. This format allows our students to have dedicated time to focus on social and emotional skills that teach how to manage and respond to emotions. Having daily conversations and ongoing activities provide our students with the physical, emotional and cognitive skills necessary to handle a variety of life’s ups/downs.
