Safety & Security

The Missouri School Violence Hotline (SVH) began in October of 2001. In 2019, through the Missouri School Safety Initiative, the reporting mechanism moved to the Missouri Information Analysis Center for 24/7 operation and was named Courage2ReportMO. The goal is to make schools safer by helping school districts and law enforcement learn about school violence as soon as possible. Courage2ReportMO takes CONFIDENTIAL reports involving any public or private school in Missouri with students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

What should be reported?

Any threat to life that happens on school property or the school bus should be reported to C2R. This may include:

• Assault - Physical
• Sexual Offense
• Weapons
• Human Trafficking
• Planned School Attack
• School Shooting
• Planned Suicide
• Terrorism Threat-Extremism

Who can report it?

We encourage anyone who learns about school violence to report it. Reports are accepted from:

• Parents
• School personnel
• Students
• Concerned citizens
• Confidential reporters

What happens after I make a report?

When a report is made to the C2R, information is gathered from the reporter and entered into a centralized database. This information is then immediately disseminated to the school and law enforcement with jurisdiction.

Officials with the school and law enforcement will then determine how to appropriately handle each report.

How do I make a report?

By Phone, 1-866-748-7047 (toll-free)

Courage2Report is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides a CONFIDENTIAL means to report school violence. Learn More

Online

Courage2Report provides an online form for an easy, safe, confidential way to report. Click below to start making a difference. Report Online

Mobile App

Download the free "Courage2ReportMO" mobile app in iTunes for Apple and Google Play Store for Android.

There are many important things that families can do before, during, and after an earthquake to protect ourselves, our homes, our families, and our schools. It is important to have a family plan in the event that an earthquake happens  before or after school. All schools conduct earthquake drills with students and staff once a year to ensure they are aware of procedures.

Ready.Gov has practical tips on earthquake preparedness, emergency response, and additional disaster safety resources.

Before an Earthquake

It is important for families, organizations, and communities to identify their risks, make a plan, create a disaster kit, and remove, relocate, or secure anything that can: 

• Fall and hurt someone
• Fall and block an exit
• Fall and start a fire
• Require a lengthy or costly clean-up

Prepare a disaster kit for the home and car, that includes a first aid kit and essential medications, canned goods and a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, a battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, any special items for infants, elderly, or those with disabilities, and protective clothing (like rainwear, bedding, or sleeping bags). Keep written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water, if authorities advise you to do so. 

During an Earthquake

DROP to the ground, take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture, and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

DO NOT RUN OUT OF THE BUILDING DURING THE SHAKING AS OBJECTS MAY BE FALLING OFF THE BUILDING AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES.

After an Earthquake

Safely evacuate the building. Note that aftershocks could happen. These additional shaking events can be strong enough to do additional damage to already weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the main earthquake. Have a professional engineer or local building official inspect the structural integrity of your home and/or building for potential damages. This should also include: 

• Inspecting chimneys for unnoticed damage that could lead to fires. Even a few cracks not obvious at first glance can create an unsafe condition the next time the first place is used.
• Checking gas, electrical, sewer, and water line damages to avoid fire and hazardous leaks. 

Communication Procedures

• Phones may not be answered during or immediately after an earthquake, as students and staff will be evacuating the building once the event stops.
• Parents will be notified via the SchoolMessenger notification system in regard to safety updates, transportation arrangements, etc. 
• SSD will share updates via the District and school websites as soon as information becomes available.

SSD is committed to providing our students with a safe and caring learning environment while traveling to and from school and throughout the school day.  While students may be on summer break during the hottest months of the year, Missouri weather can often be unpredictable and temperatures can soar towards the end of August. The District is monitoring the weather conditions to make informed decisions about outdoor activities to ensure the health and safety of our students. 

SSD uses the National Weather Services’ (NWS) heat index, which indicates how hot it feels to the body when the air temperature and relative humidity are combined, to ensure that our students are safe when hot weather permeates into the school year. All SSD schools are equipped with air conditioning systems that are monitored by SSD’s Facilities and Maintenance department.

While monitoring the guidance of the NWS, the following actions may be taken if a heat advisory is in effect: 

• Limited Outdoor Activities: We will adjust outdoor activities, such as recess, to minimize heat exposure.
• Appropriate Attire: We encourage students to wear lightweight, breathable clothing, such as cotton, to stay comfortable in the heat.
• Hydration Focus: Students are strongly encouraged to bring refillable water bottles to school to school to stay well-hydrated throughout the day.

At home, families are encouraged to:

• Use Sun Protection:  Wear sunscreen labeled as SPF-15 or higher.
• Dress Smart: Help your child stay cool by dressing them in light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Monitor Outdoor Play: Limit outdoor play or encourage play in shaded areas to reduce direct sun exposure.
• Hydrate: Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Use Local Cooling Centers: Become familiar with Missouri Cooling Centers in their area.
• Monitor Heat-related Health Symptoms: Learn how to recognize and react to the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Use a Buddy System: Use a buddy system to check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
   

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we navigate the challenges of weather-related safety.

SSD is committed to providing students with a safe and caring learning environment while traveling to and from school and throughout the school day. We recognize that Missouri weather can be unpredictable, and extreme cold conditions may arise. The District actively monitors weather conditions to make informed decisions about outdoor activities and transportation, prioritizing the health and safety of our students.

SSD uses the National Weather Service’s (NWS) wind chill index, which measures how cold it feels when wind speed is combined with air temperature. This tool helps us determine appropriate responses to cold weather conditions, especially as they may affect students with unique medical or mobility needs.

All SSD buildings are equipped with heating systems monitored by the Facilities and Maintenance department to ensure interior environments remain safe and comfortable.

Actions Taken During a Cold Weather Advisory

If a wind chill advisory or warning is in effect, SSD may implement the following safety measures:

• Adjusted Outdoor Activities: Outdoor activities, including recess and arrival/dismissal procedures, may be modified or moved indoors to limit exposure to cold temperatures and wind.
• Indoor Arrival Protocols: Students may be allowed inside the building earlier than usual to avoid waiting in the cold.
• Appropriate Winter Attire: Staff will encourage and support students in wearing insulated coats, gloves or mittens, hats or earmuffs, and warm footwear. Students with sensory needs or physical challenges may receive additional support to ensure they are dressed comfortably and safely.
   

Family Recommendations for Cold Weather Safety

Families are encouraged to support their child’s health during cold weather by following these guidelines:

• Dress in Layers: Help your student stay warm with layers, including thermal underwear, sweaters, hats, scarves, and insulated coats. For students in wheelchairs, extra blankets or wheelchair covers can offer additional warmth.
• Check Accessibility Gear: Ensure any wheelchair footmuffs, covers, or gloves are clean, dry, and functioning properly.
• Plan Ahead for Transportation: Have your student ready for pick-up as close to the scheduled time as possible to minimize wait time in the cold.
• Watch for Signs of Cold Stress: Look for early signs of frostbite or hypothermia—such as pale or gray skin, shivering, or confusion—and seek medical help if needed.
• Keep Contact Information Updated: In case of early dismissals or transportation changes, make sure your school has your current contact information.
• Use a Buddy System: Encourage students who can to check in with friends or staff if they begin to feel too cold, and check on neighbors or family who may also be vulnerable during cold snaps.

We appreciate your partnership as we work to keep our students safe and supported during periods of extreme cold. If you have questions or need assistance with cold weather gear or accommodations, please contact your school’s administrator or SSD support team.

During severe weather, school personnel will be alert for dangerous conditions. Each school is equipped with radios for scanning the National Weather Service. SSD also follows weather updates for St. Louis County on weather.com. It is important to have a family plan in the event that a tornado warning is issued before or after school. All schools conduct tornado drills with students and staff twice a year to ensure they are aware of procedures.

Types of Tornado Alerts

• Tornado Watch: During a tornado watch, or other threatening weather, school officials are alert for developing and dangerous conditions, and actions deemed necessary for safety will be taken per building procedures. Phones will be in operation for emergency calls and for preparedness. Outside calls may not get through during a weather event.  
• Tornado Warning: During a tornado warning, when sirens have sounded, seek shelter. Do not attempt to pick up students at schools. Disaster experts advise that automobiles are among the most dangerous places to be during a storm. If you are in the pickup line, please go to the school to seek shelter. Communication will be limited during the tornado due to the supervision of students and the limitations the weather may present.
• All Clear: SSD consults weather.com for the tornado warning expiration and all clear notice. The siren silencing does not mean the warning has ended. After the all clear is given, students may be picked up by parents. Depending on the time of day the all-clear is announced, buses may run later than normal. Any special announcements to parents will be made via the SchoolMessenger notification system and District/school websites.

Before School

• Keep children at home or in a safe location until the tornado warning is lifted. We want to ensure students are not waiting at bus stops during this critical time. 
• School buses will be held at the bus garage. The start of school day will be delayed until the tornado warning is lifted and the all clear is given.
• If buses are in route, they will proceed to the nearest school or other predetermined location, and remain there until the warning has been lifted and the all clear is given.

During School Hours

• Students and staff will move to designated safe places and proceed into the precautionary duck and cover position.
• Please refrain from coming to school to pick up your student during a tornado warning.  
• Families who arrive at school during a warning will be asked to wait inside until the warning has lifted and personnel are available to assist families.

At Dismissal

• Students will not be dismissed from school while the area is under a tornado warning. 
• Students will be held at school and buses will not be allowed to transport students until the tornado warning has been lifted and the all clear is given.
• Please refrain from coming to school to pick up your student during a tornado warning.  

Buses in Route

• Buses will proceed to the nearest school or other predetermined location. 
• Drivers and students will remain at that location until the warning has been lifted and the all clear is given.

Communication Procedures

• Phones may not be answered during a tornado warning, as students and staff will be in the precautionary duck and cover position.
• Parents will be notified via the SchoolMessenger notification system of any changes in transportation, as well as school delays associated with a tornado warning. 
• SSD will share updates via the District and school websites as soon as information becomes available. 

In Missouri, all school employees are mandated reporters and must report immediately upon suspicion of abuse or neglect. Failure to report can result in a Class A misdemeanor.

When any employee of SSD has reasonable cause to suspect or observes that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect, the employee shall make a report and immediately contact their building principal/special education coordinator. For full details about how to make a report, please visit the Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect page.

Nothing in this procedure is to preclude any employee from reporting abuse or neglect directly to the Missouri Division of Social Services-Children’s Division Hotline.

The District prohibits discrimination, negative job action, or retaliation against any District employee who, in good faith, reports alleged child abuse or neglect, including alleged misconduct by another District employee.