Our High School Safety Measures in Place to Protect Students
Learn about the specific ways we support your daughter’s safety during her time at St. Agnes. We unpack the various high school safety measures we have implemented on campus.
At St. Agnes Academy, the safety and security of our students is – and always will be – our paramount concern.
As a private, all-girls Catholic high school serving the Houston community, we understand the trust that parents place in us each day. We are deeply committed to providing a nurturing and secure learning environment where young women can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually throughout the school year.
We recognize that school safety extends beyond physical security. It encompasses our students' emotional and mental health, fosters a culture of respect, and requires proactive strategies to address potential challenges such as bullying and harassment.
Our comprehensive approach integrates robust physical security measures with proactive social-emotional support systems, creating a holistic safety net for our entire school community. Learn more about the high school safety measures we take seriously at St. Agnes.
Our High School Safety Measures: A Foundation of Unwavering Security
St. Agnes is committed to providing a secure and well-protected campus environment. We have made significant and strategic investments in our infrastructure to ensure the safety and security of our students and school staff.
Our campus benefits from carefully considered enhancements for controlling access to school buildings and providing a secure perimeter. These improvements reflect our proactive stance on school safety and our dedication to creating a safe space for learning and growth within our school buildings.
We also employ advanced visitor management technology, such as the Raptor Technologies system, which ensures that all guests are appropriately screened and monitored while on our campus. This commitment to diligent visitor protocols is a key component of our multi-layered security measures. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Proactive Preparedness and Training
Preparation is key to ensuring the safety of our students and school staff in any situation. Throughout the school year, we conduct various lockdown and emergency drills. These practice scenarios allow our students and faculty to become familiar with safety protocols and respond effectively in an emergency.
Furthermore, comprehensive policies and plans are in place for emergency preparedness, ensuring that we are ready to respond effectively to various situations. We believe that proactive training is essential for fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience within our school buildings.
For example, St. Agnes actively participates in and implements ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training for our students and faculty. This nationally recognized program empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions during critical incidents.
Looking ahead, we are excited to roll out Raptor's emergency management application soon. These advanced communication systems will further enhance our ability to communicate effectively during emergencies, providing real-time information and facilitating a coordinated response.
2. Dedicated Personnel and Comprehensive Support
The presence of trusted and trained personnel is a cornerstone of our school safety strategy. We are fortunate to have Houston Police Department officers on campus during school hours, providing a visible security presence and enabling rapid response if needed.
Additionally, our dedicated security and traffic guard helps manage campus access and ensures the smooth flow of traffic, contributing to the overall safety of our students.
Recognizing the vital connection between mental health and overall campus safety, our dedicated wellness counselors work with our students, providing support and resources to foster their emotional well-being. We believe a supportive and nurturing environment contributes significantly to a safer school community. These counselors work proactively with students and are integral to our support system.
3. A Focus on Prevention and Early Intervention
Our commitment to school safety extends beyond physical measures and emergency preparedness. We believe in the importance of prevention and early intervention.
Our school administrators work closely with threat assessment teams to identify and address potential risks before they escalate. This proactive approach involves fostering open communication systems between students, parents, and school staff, encouraging the reporting of any concerns related to bullying and harassment or potential threats.
We understand that the emotional well-being of our students is intrinsically linked to their safety. Our counseling services and support programs, led by our wellness counselors, are integral to promoting a positive mental health environment. By providing resources and support for students facing challenges, we aim to create a school culture where every student feels safe, valued, and supported.
Comparing Our Approach to Similar Schools
Unlike the broad scope of elementary schools and middle schools within a large school district, our single high school campus allows for a more direct and personalized approach to school safety.
While tragic events like an active shooter are thankfully rare, we remain vigilant and continuously learn from best practices implemented in other educational institutions and recommended by organizations dedicated to school safety, such as those outlined on schoolsafety.gov.
We also consider valuable insights from resources like the American Progress article on non-physical safety measures and the practical tips offered by organizations like AUS.com and SaferWatchapp.com.
It's important to note that while some schools may utilize a metal detector as one component of their security measures, our multi-layered approach focuses on a combination of the following security elements:
- Physical security enhancements
- Proactive training
- Robust communication systems
- Dedicated personnel
- A strong emphasis on prevention and mental health support provided by our wellness counselors
- Comprehensive policies and plans for emergency preparedness
This comprehensive strategy provides a more holistic and effective approach to ensuring the long-term safety and security of our students.
Learn More About Our Commitment to Your Daughter's Safety
We are committed to continuous improvement in our safety approach. We consistently conduct safety and facilities audits to identify areas for enhancement and ensure our protocols remain effective and up-to-date with the latest best practices.
Our school administrators regularly review and update our safety plans in collaboration with law enforcement and safety experts. Our commitment to emergency preparedness is ongoing, with regular reviews and updates to our policies and plans.
We invite you to visit our campus to learn more about our commitment to high school safety measures and experience the St. Agnes difference firsthand. During your visit, you can speak with our school administrators and learn more about our approach to student safety, the support offered by our wellness counselors, and our dedication to emergency preparedness.
Schedule your visit today and discover how St. Agnes Academy provides a secure, nurturing, and enriching environment where your daughter can thrive.
