Protecting our nation’s schools has been an ongoing priority for NextGen. We recommend and implement technology solutions that strengthen school security and better safeguard schools from threats and acts of violence. There have been too many tragic events that have befallen our nation’s schools, schoolchildren, and the dedicated staff who work in them. Equipping them with trusted and reliable security systems and solutions is so vitally important.
However, it’s also very important that school administrators engage with students, staff, and parents to better acquaint them with how to best leverage these solutions in the event of an emergency. Communication and education are key when it comes to harnessing the capabilities of security solutions – solutions that are sorely needed to mitigate or prevent school security breaches.
There are many ways for schools to foster this communication and education. Sending out regular newsletters, for instance, is one. Well thought out newsletters that update parents on school activities and safety measures that are in place are a good place to start. Holding ongoing parent meetings wherein parents can voice their concerns and get updates on their child’s progress and school safety measures also go a long way in opening more lines of needed communication.
As the saying goes, knowledge is power, so it’s important for schools to be transparent and encourage involvement. Publishing regular safety reports that detail the measures being taken to ensure student safety, such as drills, security upgrades, and staff training, keeps parents and students in lockstep with the safety protocols the school has in place. And now, more than ever, parents see the need to stay in tune with decision making that impacts their kids. Creating committees where parents can be directly involved in the processes regarding school safety and their student children’s well-being can go a long way in fostering trust and confidence. So too can hosting open houses that allow parents to tour the school, see up close and personal the safety measures in action, and ask questions directly about emergency preparedness and the school’s safety protocols and procedures.
And, given the digital world we live in, utilizing the school’s website and social media platforms are a powerful way to share information about safety protocols, upcoming events, and emergency updates. Leveraging online capabilities also empowers parents to use mobile apps that allow them to receive instant notifications regarding emergency alerts and steps to take.
Keeping an open line of communication between schools and parents is vitally important in furthering the capabilities of physical security solutions. When working in tandem, technology solutions designed to protect schools and the parents and administrators who are invested in their schools and their students’ safety, are together very strong weapons to defend our nation’s schools, schoolchildren, and staff.
Call on NextGen to learn more about how our cutting-edge security technologies can elevate security at your school.