Keeping St. Gabriel Students Safe
St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School is proud to announce that we have received a $10,000 grant from the Department of Justice DOJ to enhance the safety of our school. In receiving this grant, we are mandated to form a School Safety Intervention Team (SSIT). This team consists of teachers, Mrs. Bartholomew, and deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. The team is required to have a school safety policy to ensure that our students are safe and our building is secure at all times.
After recent meetings and ALICE (nationally recognized training program for response to active attacker situations.) training with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, we are reviewing the safety and security of our school. We have to acknowledge the fact that times have changed, and what was once acceptable for school security is no longer the case. We do not want to create a fortress, but we do need to provide a secure and safe environment, as well as an attractive place to learn. In addition, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee requires any adult who comes into the building, and has contact with students, to complete the Safeguarding God’s Children training. At this time, not all parents have completed this training. Because of the mandates by the Department of Justice and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, it was generally agreed that we review all access to the building, as the current freedom of movement presents serious safeguarding issues.
St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School continues to look for ways to ensure the security and welfare of our students and staff. As part of this practice, we will be implementing a modified drop-off and pick-up procedure under the advisement of the Sheriff’s Department.
A Secure Building
All exterior doors at St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School are locked when students are in attendance. For any visitor to gain access to the building, the buzzer located at the main entrance of the school should be used. Office staff will allow access to visitors through this door. At this time, all unknown visitors will be greeted at the door and asked to provide a photo I.D. Office staff will determine if entry to the school will be granted.
After entry to the school has been granted:
- Once you are inside the building, please proceed to the office to sign the guest log.
- No adult may walk past the office into classroom hallways.
- If you are dropping off materials your child needs during the school day, you need to drop them off at the office and the student will be called to the office to pick up the items. Parents may not walk items to their child’s classroom.
- Requests to visit classrooms will be approved by the principal, but it is not encouraged due to the interruption of the learning environment.
- When approved, visitors will be required to wear a visitor badge provided by the office during their visit.
Being Prepared
St. Gabriel Catholic Parish School has safety and crisis plans in place in case of an emergency. In addition, students and staff participate in routine drills throughout the school year. We are also fortunate to have the great support of our local emergency responders.
Ensuring the Safety of our Students is a Group Effort
Through the course of the school year we want each of our students and families to be aware of our school surroundings. If you ever see suspicious activity around our school, please report it immediately.