Security Information
2022-2023 Security Updates
Parking Lot Safety
A well designed parking lot procedure should support the safe arrival and departure of all students and staff. This includes those who walk, drive or get a ride. Although each school in the district may have a different parking lot layout the procedures for safe drop off and pick up is always the same. The following procedures are to be followed regardless of the school your child may attend:
1. Never exceed 10 m.p.h. in the parking lot
2. Stay in the line of traffic and continue to move to the furthest point
3. Do not allow your child to walk through parked cars. Always drop off curbside
4. All passengers should exit from the passenger side doors. Make sure your child is on the sidewalk and a safe distance from your vehicle before slowly pulling away
5. Beware of loose clothing and backpacks that could get caught in your car door
6. If walking to school encourage your child to always use crosswalks
7. Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers before entering a crosswalk to ensure a safe crossing
8. Make sure bike riders wear helmets and walk their bicycles on the sidewalks once they enter school grounds
9. Leave early, stay alert, be safe !!!!!!!!!!
Social Media
Students continue to be the primary drivers and victims of cyber issues. Inappropriate comments, pictures and bullying can be detrimental to all parties involved. Trying to eliminate or control the use of social media can sometimes lead to disappointing results. In addition, an ever-widening technology gap causes adults, including school staff and parents, to sometimes feel left behind. This shouldn’t deter us from learning more, it should motivate us. That`s why it`s so important that we educate ourselves so we can teach our students to use social media sites in a positive way. With today’s wide variety of social networking services it can be difficult to monitor everything our children do. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Vine and Snap Chat are just a few of the popular social outlets kids are using. Putting an emphasis on the dangers and consequences of poor choices is a great way to start but your dialog shouldn’t just contain warnings. It should also serve as an informational means to the positive aspects of social media. Remember to always factor in a child’s age whenever sensitive areas are being discussed. Finally, take advantage of the resources available: School Counselors, Resource Officers and Principals to name a few.
Parental Advice for Your Children:
1. Keep Personal Information Personal
2. Discuss Real Life Situations (Cyber Bullying, Inappropriate Pictures and Comments)
3. Remember: Once Posted, Always Posted
Advice for Parents:
1. Establish Age Limits For Certain Social Media Sites
2. Keep Computers In Common Areas
3. Check Your Privacy Settings Daily
4. Educate Yourself
Resources:
(1) School Security: Chapter 8 “Tackling Social Media Risks”
Halloween Safety
Halloween is an exciting night for children everywhere. Large groups of Trick or Treaters will soon fill our neighborhoods. With that in mind it’s important to remind everyone to be safe and stay alert. The combination of pedestrians, vehicles and darkness has the potential to be dangerous. Statistics show kids are more likely to be struck by a car on Halloween than any other night*. This is a sad statement but one that is preventable. Whether you are walking or driving we all play a part in looking out for each other. Below are some safety tips we can all follow to ensure our Halloween is a safe one!!
Safety Tips-Costumes/Candy
1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape. Kids should carry glow sticks or flashlights.
2. Be aware of costume masks and hats that obscure vision.
3. Loose or improper fitting costumes can be tripping hazards.
4. Parents should always check candy for potential hazards
Safety Tips-Trick or Treating
1. Kids under 12 should not be alone at night.
2. Always use sidewalks and crosswalks. If no sidewalks are present walk facing traffic as far left as you can. Stay Alert!!
3. Never use cell phones while walking. Always stop in a safe place.
4. Beware of cars turning or backing up. The driver may not see you.
5. Parents should teach their children to never dart across the street.
Safety Tips-Driving on Halloween
1. Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Kids are excited and will run house to house often crossing the street without looking.
2. Enter and exit driveways slowly and cautiously. When backing up know what is happening around you. Turn off music and roll the window down to help you hear outside.
3. Eliminate distractions like cell phones and loud music.
4. Finally, parents should have a discussion with their teen driver about safety. Emphasize obeying the speed limit, watching out for pedestrians and not texting while driving.
*www.safekids.org
THE PEQUANNOCK SCHOOL DISTRICT IS PROUD TO SPONSOR A PROGRAM FOR TEENAGE DRIVERS ENTITLED “SHARE THE KEYS”
S.T.K. is a Parent/Teen interactive driving course to help keep our teen drivers safe