ALANSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

SCHOOL SAFETY & SECURITY

Spring 2023

School administration and leadership face many issues when it comes to educating our children while also keeping them safe. One area that has taken center stage in recent years is safety and security. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 97.1% of schools across the nation control access to school buildings during school hours and just over 91% percent use security cameras to assist with monitoring buildings. All students and school staff have the right to attend schools that are safe and conducive to learning and achievement. School safety is a multi-faceted issue with no “one size fits all,” clear solution for each community. As a result, Michigan schools are required by law to implement and periodically review a school-specific Emergency Operations Plan and Vulnerability Assessment that is reviewed in conjunction with local law enforcement and approved by the school board. This is done in addition to the legally required fire drills, tornado drills, and school safety/security drills.

Alanson Public Schools take the safety and well-being of our children and school staff very seriously. Our mission of Alanson Public Schools (APS) is to: Provide quality education in a safe, nurturing environment.

APS was recently awarded funding from Section 97 of the State School Aid Act for 2022-2023. Funding was dispersed on a per-pupil basis to be used to supplement school safety efforts. With the $27,000 award, the school will upgrade the camera system and key system. Additionally, a panic button will be installed for emergencies. These enhancements will provide additional security options within the system as well as provide for adequate and efficient data storage. To provide additional measures of security, Nightlock security door stoppers will be purchased for all interior doors and Nightshades will be installed on small interior windows to promote privacy during a lockdown. APS continues to work hard to balance the safety of students and staff while keeping the building accessible to the community.

In Memory Of The Late Dan Verbanac

It is with great regret that we share the passing of our long time Technology Director, Dan Verbanac. Mr. Verbanac was employed with APS for more than 20 years. He was always willing to offer a kind word, a techy trick to help us with our computers, or a joke to make us smile.

The Family of Dan Verbanac have set up a scholarship fund at Citizens National Bank. To contribute, visit the bank to make a donation to The Dan Verbanac Memorial Fund. Additionally, APS students, staff, teachers, and administration will be planting a memorial tree in Mr. Verbanac’s honor later this spring.

Aps Now Offers Free Preschool

Alanson Public Schools received state funding to collaborate with Great Start Readiness Preschool (GSRP). GSRP slots will be offered to eligible age four preschoolers within the Alanson Preschool Program. In addition to free preschool, GSRP funding provides preschool teachers continued learning opportunities, additional resources to the preschool program, and a high-quality curriculum requirement. To sign-up for the fall, please contact Whitney Rota, Preschool Director at wrota@alansonvikings.net.