March 11, 2025 Staff and Community Update: School Safety is A Shared Responsibility
Dear Students, Staff, and Families—
We are halfway through the third quarter and want to share important safety reminders to ensure all students complete the marking period strongly! We want to thank our students and staff for the work they do each day to build positive and supportive spaces and acknowledge that most of our students come to school ready to learn and engage with their peers and adults.
When we work together and commit to upholding our roles, we create safe and welcoming spaces where students can maximize learning and experience all that our schools have to offer. Across the state and nation, we continue to see concerning trends in student behaviors. It is essential that every member of our community understands the role they play in supporting student and staff safety and well-being.
"My Role" (Schools and School System):
- Develop and enforce safety guidelines and outline those expectations in the BCPS Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
- Create and implement a comprehensive school safety plan that addresses the specific needs of each school.
- Address disruptive student behaviors swiftly to preserve and protect teaching and learning. Providing clear expectations, consistent responses and shared accountability across schools will protect and preserve safe learning environments.
- Use all legally available tools and resources to protect students and hold accountable those who break the rules.
- Assign school safety managers and safety assistants to support school safety efforts and provide additional positive adult presence.
- Provide access to expanded mental health resources and comprehensive behavioral services.
- Partner with state and local officials, the Baltimore County Police Department, School Resource officers and other county agencies to keep students safe.
"Your Role" (Students and Families):
- Attendance matters! Come prepared to fully engage in the instructional program.
- Review the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct and follow all system and school safety rules and guidelines.
- “See something, say something.” Report any safety concerns to teachers or administrators. Students/families can also report concerns to Safe Schools Maryland.
- Be respectful and responsible towards peers and staff.
- Participate in safety drills and training.
- Seek help from adults if you are experiencing bullying, harassment or intimidation.
- Work collaboratively with school staff and administrators to address concerns.
- Be a good digital citizen.
- Use the mental health services provided by BCPS.
- Participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, PTAs and more!
"Our Role" (Community):
- Create a culture of safety and respect within the community.
- Engage in open dialogue about community concerns and school system needs.
- Collaborate on systemwide safety initiatives.
- Maintain open reporting alerts from state and local school safety platforms,
- Alert school administrators and staff when an ongoing community issue may cause problems in the school community.
- Monitor and supervise youth.
- Ask questions and engage with youth about daily experiences.
- Model positive behaviors in the community.
- Report concerning behaviors in the community to the police.
- Teach students to be safe, secure, and responsible when using technology for learning or for fun.
- Develop partnerships and programs that help meet the needs of students and families.
- Provide access to safe and welcoming evening and weekend activities for children and youth.
- Volunteer in schools.