Safety & Security

Welcome to the Safety and Security Office!

Pickerington Schools is dedicated to providing the highest level of academic excellence in the safest learning and working environment for students and staff. The Safety and Security Office, established in 2022, was created to assist all Pickerington schools with preventing, preparing, and responding to all threats, violence, and hazards, impacting our teaching and learning environments.    

Our goal is to ensure the safety of students, employees, and visitors through effective policies, procedures, training, and community and interagency involvement.

The Safety and Security Office recognizes that school safety is our primary responsibility, but we cannot do the work alone. Schools are safer when we work together. Safety is the responsibility of all involved – administrators, staff, teachers, students, families, law enforcement, and the broader community.  So please remember, If you See Something, Hear Something, Say Something. Our schools are safer when we work together!

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Information for Families

Keeping arrival and dismissal safe and efficient is a shared responsibility between the school and our families. To help everyone, we ask parents and guardians to follow the guidelines below when dropping off or picking up students.

Morning Drop-Off

• Arrival Time: Students should arrive within the designated time frame provided by their building. 
• Traffic Flow: Please follow staff directions and posted signs. All vehicles must use the designated drop-off lane — do not cut in or use staff parking lots.
• Stay in Your Vehicle: For safety and efficiency, drivers should remain in their cars. Staff will be available to assist younger children if needed. Students should exit on the curb side of the vehicle.
• Quick Goodbyes: Have backpacks, lunches, and belongings ready before reaching the drop-off point to keep traffic moving.

Afternoon Pick-Up

Dismissal Time: There is a designated dismissal time for each building. 

Car Line Only: Parents must use the car line. Please do not park on the street, in bus lanes, or in staff parking areas.

Student Loading Zone: Students will only enter vehicles in the designated loading zone, supervised by staff.

Safety Reminders

• No Cell Phones: Please avoid using cell phones while driving on school property.
• Follow Speed Limits: Drive slowly and be alert for children crossing.
• Respect Staff Directions: Staff are present to keep everyone safe. Please follow their instructions at all times.
• Be Patient: Arrival and dismissal are busy times. A few extra minutes of patience ensure safety for all students.

Walking or Biking Students

• Students who walk or bike should use crosswalks and designated paths.
• Families are encouraged to review safe routes with their child.
• Bike riders should walk their bicycles once on school grounds.
• Practice walking and biking to school with an adult to learn your route and to become comfortable with crosswalks and traffic flow. 
• Always be aware of your surroundings. 
• Walkers and bikers are encouraged to wear light colored or bright colored clothing so you can be seen. 
• It is safer to walk or bike in groups.
• Bikers are always encouraged to wear a helmet
• Always look left, right, and left again before crossing the street to make sure no vehicles are approaching. 
• Remember to look out for vehicles entering and exiting driveways.

Actions During a School Emergency

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. Pickerington Local Schools has established safety protocols to guide how we respond during emergencies, including building lockdowns. While rarely needed, lockdowns are important tools that help us respond quickly and appropriately to a variety of situations.

Below is an overview of the three levels of lockdown you may hear about:

 

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Level 1 Lockdown – Precautionary

A Level 1 Lockdown is a precautionary measure. The school day continues as normal, with visitor protocols in place and additional awareness by staff.

 

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Level 2 Lockdown – Cautionary

A Level 2 Lockdown is used when the school needs to limit movement and increase supervision.

• This may occur during a medical emergency, so staff and first responders can provide care without disruption.
• It may also be used if there is a potential concern near the school or to restore calm following an incident.

During this time, students and staff remain in designated areas. Visitors will not be admitted, and students will not be released until the lockdown is lifted.

 

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Level 3 Lockdown – Immediate Threat

A Level 3 Lockdown is the most serious response, used when there is a confirmed threat inside or on school property.

• All classrooms and offices are secured, and movement stops.
• Visitors will not be permitted, and students will not be released until the lockdown has ended.
• Law enforcement is contacted immediately and assists with the response.

During a Level 3 Lockdown, the full focus is on ensuring the safety of students and staff. No one will be allowed to enter or leave the building until the situation is resolved.

 

District Guidance on Student Safety, Privacy, and Immigration Enforcement

Pickerington Local Schools is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for all students. We are sharing the information below to help families understand how the District would respond if federal immigration officials were to request access to school property or student information.

Recent federal changes allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct enforcement actions in or near schools. While these situations are uncommon, the District believes it is important for families to understand the protections and procedures in place.

Protection of Student Records
Student education records are protected under federal law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The District does not release student records to any outside agency — including ICE — without parent or guardian consent, a valid court order, or a lawfully issued subpoena. When permitted by law, the District makes reasonable efforts to notify parents or guardians before any records are released.

Interviews of Students During the School Day
If any law enforcement agency, including ICE, requests to speak with a student at school, District policies apply. These include:

• Involvement of school administration;
• Notification of the student’s parent or guardian and the opportunity for them to be present; and
• Conducting any interview privately and, whenever possible, outside of instructional time.

The District prioritizes minimizing disruption to learning while protecting students’ rights and well-being.

Review of Warrants and Requests
If law enforcement presents a warrant or subpoena, District administrators work closely with legal counsel to verify the document and determine the District’s legal obligations before taking action.

Focus on Education and Student Support
Pickerington Local Schools does not inquire about or track the immigration status of students or families. The District’s role is to educate, support, and safeguard every student entrusted to our care.

Commitment to Families
If immigration officials were ever present at a school and a student (s) were impacted, the District would follow established procedures, prioritize student safety and dignity, and communicate with families as permitted by law.

Families with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their school principal or the District’s central office.

FAMILY FAQ’s

Does the District share student information with ICE?
No. Student education records are protected by federal law (FERPA). Information is only released with parent/guardian consent, a valid court order, or a lawfully issued subpoena.

Will parents be notified if records are requested?
When permitted by law, the District makes reasonable efforts to notify parents or guardians before any student records are released.

Can immigration officials interview students at school?
Any law enforcement agency requesting to speak with a student must follow District policies. This includes administrative involvement, notifying parents or guardians, and conducting interviews privately and, whenever possible, outside of instructional time.

Does the District ask about immigration status?
No. Pickerington Local Schools does not inquire about or track the immigration status of students or families.

What happens if law enforcement presents a warrant?
District administrators review all warrants or subpoenas carefully and work with legal counsel to determine appropriate next steps before taking action.

Who should families contact with concerns?
Families may contact their school principal or the District’s central office with questions or concerns.