BHS prepares students with Safety Week

Bloomfield Hills Schools is working to prepare all students and faculty in the district's safety protocols and systems, and ensure that all communications systems are working in their most efficient and effective way by holding their second annual Safety Week, Monday, October 17, through Friday, October 21.

The district will also host a conversation on student mental health and safety on Tuesday, October 18, at 6 p.m. in the Cynthia von Oeyen Center for Performing Arts located in Bloomfield Hills High School. Content area experts will share information about student mental health and school safety. The event is open to the public, with preregistration requested.

Bloomfield Hills Superintendent Pat Watson, in an email to families, wrote, “As part of the district’s mission to prepare all students to be lifelong learners and engaged citizens in a safe and supportive environment, we understand the great importance of creating a safe and supportive learning space. We know that students learn best when they feel safe, feel a sense of belonging, and understand their important role in the learning process.”

Safety Week is a way for the district to reinforce its safety protocols and systems and to ensure that all communication systems are in proper working order for all individuals in the school community. It takes place during America's Safe Schools Week, October 16-22, which is sponsored by the National School Safety Center, state governors, and state school superintendents.

During Safety Week, students will experience preparedness training, meet with school resource officers and police partners, and learn more about reporting tools.

“We will test our communication systems allowing the district to locate and correct any issues,” Watson said.

He also urged parents to talk about safety with their children.

“You may also choose to talk to your children about how we all have a role to play in school and student safety. Encourage students to talk to a trusted adult when something doesn't seem right or if they have any concerns about their safety or the safety of others. A resource available to everyone in Michigan to keep schools safe is OK2SAY. OK2SAY is a state-wide tip line and encourages confidential tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees or schools. The phone number is 855-565-2729 (8-555-OK2SAY). The program's text number is 652729 (OK2SAY) and the email is OK2SAY@MI.GOV.