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.