The beginning of the school year often brings with it many emotions, and this year is no different. As we kick off the new school year, we know the question of school safety may be at the top of your minds. Staff and families routinely ask us: Are our schools safe?
Considering the importance of this question and the understandable concern we share as parents and educators, we want to answer it directly.
Safety Is Our Top Priority
The top priority of STMA Schools is the safety and well-being of our students and staff. While we cannot share all the ways we work to protect our children and staff, we can assure you that we utilize best practice safety strategies and work in close partnership with trusted agencies, including Wright County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota School Safety Center, Homeland Security, and FEMA to ensure our students and staff are safe and our buildings are secure.
Beyond protecting against tragedies, we also take a broader view of safety. Our schools are places where students are welcomed, respected, and valued; where bullying and harassment have no place; and where the whole child is supported—academically, socially, and emotionally. Our staff work tirelessly to build positive, meaningful connections with students and partner with families to determine how we can best serve our children.
Drills and Preparedness
Throughout the year, students and staff participate in a variety of safety drills to ensure they are prepared for different situations. These include fire drills, lockdown drills, school bus safety drills, severe weather drills, and practicing safe walking and biking routines to and from school.
We encourage families to ask their child(ren) about these drills. Open dialogue, active listening, and observation are critical components of a comprehensive safety plan.
Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
STMA has adopted the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP), used countywide to provide consistent language and actions for emergencies. You may hear terms such as Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. This shared language ensures students, staff, and first responders act quickly and clearly.
We invite you to watch this short video and check out the district website for more information about the five SRP actions and what they mean for students, staff, and families.
School Resource Officers
Our district is fortunate to have three dedicated School Resource Officers (SROs) who play a vital role in keeping our schools safe. Beyond ensuring security, they also serve as trusted mentors and positive role models, building strong relationships and connections with students. Their daily presence in our schools fosters a welcoming environment where safety, support, and trust go hand in hand.
Behavioral Threat Assessment & Training
STMA has Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams in place to respond when student safety concerns arise. These teams allow us to conduct careful, timely assessments and take appropriate action. In addition, we regularly participate in tabletop safety and security exercises led by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota School Safety Center, Homeland Security, and FEMA. These exercises strengthen our processes and strategies to keep students and staff safe.
Visitor and Volunteer Protocols
For everyone’s safety, STMA follows strict visitor procedures:
All exterior doors remain locked during the school day.
Visitors must use the secured main entrance and ring the buzzer, state their name, and explain their reason for visiting.
Those going beyond the office must present a government-issued photo ID, which is screened through a national and local database.
Visitors and volunteers are issued a photo badge and, if volunteering or chaperoning, must complete a district background check.
Family Partnerships
Families play a vital role in school safety. Families are encouraged to:
Keep contact information updated in ParentVue.
Report concerns—if you see something, say something.
Encourage their child(ren) to talk with their principal or a trusted staff member if something makes them feel unsafe.
A Shared Commitment
We deeply value the trust our families and community place in us, and we do not take it for granted. Our schools are safe, and with the support of our dedicated partners, we continue working to make them even safer. If you have questions or concerns about school safety, please reach out to your child’s principal or Superintendent Foucault. Together, we can ensure STMA schools remain places where every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
