CAMPUS SAFETY

Campus safety has emerged as a critical issue nationwide, particularly in private schools, due to the alarming rise of school shootings. These incidents have tragically claimed the lives of children, teachers, and staff members, raising concerns nationwide. Although the likelihood of any individual school being affected remains low, the potential for devastating loss of life cannot be disregarded.

As an educational institution, we understand that decisions should not be driven by fear, nor can we overlook it to avoid confronting the issue. At One Ascension, our leadership firmly believes in prioritizing campus security and continually enhancing our security measures.

Ascension Lutheran School's ongoing commitment to campus safety uses current technology, proven crime prevention strategies, access control measures, and a cadre of highly-trained former police and military concealed-carry armed guards. Our efforts include the implementation of several significant security improvements. 

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• A professional security team to patrol our school grounds to provide an added layer of protection and peace of mind for our entire school community. These agents will lend their expertise in areas of security, environmental design, crime deterrence, threat assessment, and, if necessary, active protection against immeidate threats and other dangers. 

• Installation of shatter-resistant window film on all windows. While not "bullet-proof," this enhancement significantly delays the entry of potential assailants, providing valuable time for staff and children to seek safety.

• A motorized gate has been installed, effectively restricting unauthorized vehicle access through our sole exit point.

• Throughout the day, the many gates on campus will be locked and only accessible through location-specific key fobs which can be activated or deactivated at any time. This measure contributes to maintaining a secure environment on campus.

• Real-time monitoring of our entry gates is made possible by strategically placed cameras. These cameras provide live video feeds that can be viewed by both our staff and security team. This enables us to promptly detect and respond to any suspicious activities or potential threats.

• All visitors are required to check in at the front office

• Conducting a comprehensive security assessment has been instrumental in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of our current security infrastructure. This ongoing evaluation enables us to make informed decisions on technological enhancements and protocol changes to ensure the safety of our school community.

 
At Ascension Lutheran School, we are dedicated to continuously improving our security measures through ongoing evaluation and collaboration with experts. We strive to create an environment where our students, staff, and parents feel safe, confident, and protected. Over the course of the next several years, we have a comprehensive plan in place to further enhance the security of our campus.

Here are the initiatives we will be implementing:

• Continued installation of robust fencing to maintain a secure perimeter that acts as a strong deterrent against unauthorized access.

• Upgrading our locking mechanisms and access controls throughout the campus to ensure improved security for all buildings and rooms.

• Conducting monthly drills to familiarize our school community with emergency procedures. These drills will help ensure that everyone is well-prepared and can respond effectively in various emergency scenarios.

• Regularly upgrading our emergency procedures with the guidance of experts in the field. This ensures that our protocols align with the latest industry standards and best practices.

• Maintaining frequent education and communication with our parent community regarding their role in emergency situations. We will provide them with the necessary information, resources, and procedures to be well-prepared.