Kalamazoo Times

Click here for newsletter emailed to families March 17, 2023

Dear KPS Families,

The safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors are very important to Kalamazoo Public Schools. In addition to continually making security enhancements to our buildings to keep them safe and secure, the district addresses safety by providing training to our staff and students.

Next week, every school will hold an enhanced lockdown drill as a part of our planned practice of annual required emergency safety drills. Practicing various drills is a critical step in ensuring our students are comfortable with emergency plans and are able to react quickly in the case of an actual emergency.

Although we hope to never have to use these strategies aside from practice and drills, it is important to know that the district will always err on the side of caution to protect our students and staff.

KPS employees have been trained in a protocol that teaches proactive responses to emergencies — not only in schools but in other locations. This protocol allows students to make decisions for their own safety. Research has shown that this protocol keeps more students safe. Age-appropriate lessons and conversations will be held in classrooms during the drill.

Please take time to speak with your child/children about the importance of emergency drills. They need to be taken seriously and the safety and security in Kalamazoo Public Schools is a responsibility shared by all of us. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your building principal.

Sincerely,

Cindy Green

Interim Superintendent

Original source can be found here.