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A Message to Families About School Safety and Security
As we begin the 2026-2027 school year, we are excited to welcome students and families back to our schools. Creating and maintaining a safe learning environment remains our highest priority, and we are committed to ensuring that every student can learn, grow, and thrive in a secure setting.
School safety is a shared responsibility. Students, staff, parents, and community members all play an important role in helping keep our schools safe. We encourage everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity, safety concerns, or concerning behavior. Reports can be made directly to law enforcement, through the SpeakOut/P3 anonymous tip system, or through the FortifyFL app. Remember: If you See Something, Say Something, Do Something.
Seminole County Public Schools continues to utilize a comprehensive, layered approach to safety and security. This includes a School Resource Officer assigned to every campus, secure campus design features such as controlled access, fencing, surveillance cameras, visitor screening procedures, and an all-hazards approach to emergency preparedness and response. In addition, the district now deploys four firearms detection K9 teams to support threat mitigation efforts and conduct random screenings. Equally important, we remain focused on fostering a positive school culture and climate, which is one of the strongest foundations of a safe school environment.
To ensure preparedness, schools conduct regular emergency drills as required by Florida law. Seminole County schools utilize age-appropriate, scenario-based exercises designed to help students and staff practice how to respond during a variety of emergency situations. These drills are intended to build confidence and preparedness while reinforcing that school is a safe place to learn.
Should a significant incident occur, the district will provide timely and accurate information as circumstances evolve. Families are encouraged to monitor district and school communication channels, including email notifications, school social media platforms, and the district website for updates. During a critical incident, it is essential that parents do not come directly to the school unless directed to do so by district officials. Information regarding student reunification, including where and when to pick up your child, will be communicated as soon as it is available.
Parents and guardians are also vital partners in maintaining safe schools. Take time to talk with your child about safety, listen to their concerns, and reassure them that their school is committed to their well-being. Discuss emergency procedures at home and ask about drills they participate in throughout the school year. Encourage your child to report safety concerns and remind them that speaking up can help prevent harmful situations. We also encourage students to be Upstanders, not Bystanders. If they witness a fight or other unsafe behavior, they should seek help from an adult rather than recording or sharing the incident.
Social media continues to be a powerful part of daily life for many students and families. Please talk with your child about responsible digital citizenship and help them understand that online actions can have real-world consequences. If students encounter concerning posts, threats, or rumors online, they should report them to school administrators or law enforcement rather than sharing or amplifying them. We also ask families to avoid posting alleged school safety concerns or security vulnerabilities on social media. Publicly sharing such information can unintentionally increase risk and hinder response efforts.
Thank you for your partnership and support. By working together, we can continue to provide a safe, welcoming, and secure learning environment for all students and staff throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
Your School Safety & Security Team
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