SOUTH CAROLINA, USA — … And just like that, it’s time for kids to head back to school.
As summer break winds down and parents prepare to send their children back to school, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the risks that children face and the resources available to help. News19 This Morning is airing a month-long back to school series where we are focusing on different topics that most impact you and your child.
This week we are focusing on safety.
Bullying Prevention & Resources:
Many parents often inquire about bullying at their child's school. The most common questions are "What are my rights?" and "Who do I talk to about this?."
We provided a comprehensive breakdown of resources available to your family and the importance of speaking up against bullying before it's too late.
While teachers and administrators are usually the first line of defense when it comes to addressing bullying in schools, there are standards across South Carolina for what districts are expected to do about it. A model policy is in place that school districts can implement on how to handle bullying and harassment in schools. The South Carolina Department of Education also provides a tool kit of resources.
SC School Report Cards show a comprehensive list of school climate and safety numbers per district and per school. You can view those resources here.
While most district policies look similar, there are nuanced differences in language between them. All of which can be found on your child's school district's website.
Organizations like "Super Beauty" are one of many in the Midlands that help share a light on bullying in schools and ways to combat it. Owner TiffanyJ shares her story of self-confidence within her books, dolls and puzzles for children.
Social Media Safety
Health Effects of Energy Drinks on Children and Young Adults
Energy drinks continue to gain in popularity among tweens and teens. According to research from The National Institute of Health, it's estimated that more than 30% of kids ages 12 to 17 have energy drinks regularly.
But these drinks can have a negative impact on a person's health. Nutrition Educators Dianna Richardson and Kayla Scarborough from the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program at Clemson University show us the top dangers parents need to watch out for.
School Safety Tools
There is an urgent responsibility for school leaders to protect the safety of students, teachers and staff. News19 is on your side with a list of some of the safety policies in place in your child's school district.
Richland One
- Every high school has metal detectors
- Clear bag policy is in place for sports and special events
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) cell phone policy prohibits students from using their phones during the academic day. Students are encouraged to leave their phones at home, but if they must bring them, they can store them in a homeroom lockbox or cubby until the end of the day. Students are not allowed to use their phones in classrooms, even in emergencies, but they can go to the attendance office to use the phone if necessary. Texting and calling between students and their parents during the school day is also considered a violation of the policy. Students who don't follow the policy may face disciplinary action, which could include confiscation of their phone for a period of time.
- During football games nobody will be admitted to the game after halftime. Entry gates will close at the end of halftime. Concession stands will close at the end of the third quarter. No one will be allowed to stand, congregate or “hang out” on the concourse or around the concession stand during the game. Spectators must remain seated except when going to the restroom or to concessions stands. Face coverings that completely cover a person’s face are not allowed. Law enforcement officers and private security officers are on duty at all of the high school football games.
Richland Two
- Every high school has metal detectors
- Metal detectors used for all sporting events that take place on the same day and the same location as a varsity sporting event
- Individuals with tickets will be permitted to carry one clear tote bag, not to exceed 12" x 6" x12" and a small clutch or wallet can be included in this clear tote if it exceeds 4.5" x6.5".
Lexington One
- Clear bag policy for sporting events
- Representatives from the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, Town of Lexington Police Department, and Pelion Police Department meet regularly with school administrators to discuss school and community safety concerns.
- All middle and high schools, the Alternative Educational Services program, and the Lexington Technology Center have dedicated School Resource Officers (SROs) who provide a visible presence and build positive relationships with students. Elementary schools also benefit from regular officer visits.
- The district leadership includes a Director of Safety and Emergency Services, two Coordinators of Safety and Emergency Services, a full-time hearing officer, and a district-level safety team to oversee and implement safety initiatives.
- Individualized School Safety Plans: Each school has a detailed safety plan reviewed annually to address potential issues and ensure consistent protocols across the district.
- Secure Buildings: All schools have secure front entrances, requiring visitors to check in at the front office. Automated checks against sex offender registries are conducted on every visitor.
- Enhanced Security Features: Phones are available in every classroom for immediate communication. Security cameras with video and audio recording are installed throughout schools and on buses. Many elementary schools offer after-school programs or safe havens to provide additional supervision
Lexington Two
- Lexington Two teachers, staff and students are involved in practice drills, planned in conjunction with law enforcement, so everyone knows what steps to take in an emergency in any area of the school.
- All staff trained in Active Attack response and the I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol, as well as the Raptor alert system.
- Metal detectors at events in high school arenas and stadiums, as well as during board meetings and large public events.
- A clear bag policy is in effect during events in high school arenas and stadiums, as well as during board meetings and large public events.
- Drug sniffing dogs are available as needed
- For a comprehensive overview of security measures, click here
- Upgrading the radio system as an added measure of security, ensuring efficient and reliable communications across the district.
Lexington Three
- Hand-held metal detectors are available when needed
- Drug sniffing dogs are available if needed
- No individual younger than 9th grade is allowed to attend after school or sporting events without an adult to accompany him/her.
- Lexington Three is continuously evaluating our safety procedures and protocols to ensure that our schools are the safest environments possible for learning.
Lexington Four
- Clear bag policy is in place at Lexington Four School District
- Drug-sniffing dogs are available with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department
- Uses the STOP IT app - An anonymous reporting tool
- More information on school safety can be found in the Parent/Student Handbook
Lexington-Richland Five
- Metal detectors used for athletic events, beginning with varsity games at Chapin, Irmo, and Dutch Fork high schools
- Clear bag policy for athletic events
- All eighth grade students and younger need a parent or guardian to attend a football game
- School District Five utilizes Open Gate Weapon Detection Systems in each of its schools and the district office to screen visitors.
- Security cameras and other safety mechanisms are used to ensure safe learning environments for all students and staff.
- School District Five's Safety Team is constantly reviewing the district's safety procedures to ensure that they are providing the safest environment possible for students and staff. They stay abreast of the latest safety products available for schools and the most up-to-date security protocols. They adjust protocols as needed based on that information.
Fairfield
- Metal detectors installed at secondary locations
- Hand-held metal detectors are at all elementary locations
- Clear bag requirement for all athletic events
- While drug-sniffing dogs are not regularly employed, they are available upon request from local law enforcement
- Cell phone use during class is prohibited, and the administration discusses usage policies with the Board of Trustees.
- An adult must accompany students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade at football games. Parents will be held responsible by local law enforcement for unsupervised students in this age group
- Students, parents, and spectators must sit in the bleachers during athletic events except when purchasing items from the concession stand or using the restrooms. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in removal from the stadium. Non-participating students must be supervised and must leave the campus within 30 minutes following the conclusion of an event. Anyone remaining on campus after this time may receive a citation for trespassing on school property by local law enforcement.
- Implementing the Raptor Visitor Management System within schools and the presence of a School Resource Officer (SRO) to further contribute to our commitment to safety.
Kershaw
- Metal detectors in middle and high schools.
- Metal detectors used used at sporting events and special school events districtwide.
- More on the clear bag policy here
- Drug-sniffing dog available when needed
- Adult supervision is required for elementary and middle school students at after school events.
- The school district partners with the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, Elgin Police Department and Camden Police Department to provide school resource officers (SROs) throughout the district. They also employ a Manager of School Safety at the district level.
- All schools have secure front entrances, requiring visitors to check in at the front office. Automated checks against sex offender registries are conducted on every visitor using the Raptor sign in/sign out system.
Sumter
- Metal detectors are at every school in the district
- Continue to review safety and emergency protocols, conduct regular safety drills, maintain a strong relationship with local law enforcement, and provide ongoing training to staff.
- Clear bag entry procedure for all high school and middle school athletic events.
- Each ticketed individual will be permitted to carry one clear tote bag, not to exceed 12” x 6” x 12”, and a small clutch or wallet can be included in this clear tote if does not exceed 4.5” x 6.5”. A clear tote bag is not required in order to carry small permissible items such as keys, wallets, cell phones, credit cards, cash, etc., which should be carried in a pocket.
- Lakewood High, Ebenezer Middle, Crosswell Drive Elementary, Pocalla Springs Elementary, and Sumter Adult Education require clear book bags.
- All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult 21 years old or older to football games. This is for admittance and during the game. No students can be dropped off unattended.
- Students will not be allowed to congregate anywhere in the athletic facilities. Unless they are in line at concessions or using the restroom, the expectation is for students to be in the bleachers enjoying the game.
- All visitors must enter through the visitor side and remain on that side during the entire competition.
- All Sumter School District middle/high school students MUST have their IDs to enter the competition.
- No re-entry will be permitted. Tickets are non-refundable.
Calhoun
- Law enforcement at each of the basketball and football home games. They use hand-held metal detectors during those events.
- Clear bag policy for all athletic events and school events
- Drug-sniffing dogs available when needed
- Smart devices are allowed at school if they are turned off and out of sight during the regular academic school day. Personal communication devices are not permitted to be used in locker rooms, restrooms, or other personal spaces.
- Elementary and Middle School students must be accompanied by an adult at football games.
- District uses the I Love U Guys safety protocols
Clarendon
- The school district uses metal detectors
- There is no clear bag policy in place
- The district uses the Behavior Threat Assessment Model (BTAM)
- They district uses ECAA Threat Assessment and ECAA-R Threat Assessment
- More information about policies, click here
School Resource Officers
During the summer, school resource officers (SROs) like Deputies Grant and Hartsell dedicate their time to rigorous training to ensure students’ safety and well-being throughout the school year.
Beyond their law enforcement duties, SROs also play pivotal roles as mentors and counselors.
