Embedded Files
Ensuring a Safe & Supportive Learning Environment
Ensuring a Safe & Supportive Learning Environment
Our commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of the DeWitt Public Schools community is enforced through proactive security and mental health partnerships.
Our commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of the DeWitt Public Schools community is enforced through proactive security and mental health partnerships.
The Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
The Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
Hold is followed by the Directive: "In Your Room or Area" and is the protocol used when hallways need to be kept clear of occupants.
Secure is followed by the Directive: "Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors" and is the protocol used to safeguard people within the building.
LOCKDOWN
LOCKDOWN
Lockdown is followed by "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight" and is the protocol used to secure individual rooms and keep occupants quiet and in place.
EVACUATE
EVACUATE
Evacuate may be followed by a location, and is used to move people from one location to a different location in or out of the building.
SHELTER
SHELTER
Shelter and state the Hazard and Safety Strategy for group and self protection.
Run, Hide, Fight
Run, Hide, Fight
This training helps to prepare you for actions to take should an active attacker be in your vicinity. You must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with the situation and to take action steps that may help save your life.
An "active attacker" is an individual who is engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. In most cases, active attackers use firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.
How We Communicate in a Crisis
How We Communicate in a Crisis
DeWitt Public Schools uses Infinite Campus to distribute urgent messaging to families on all opted-in channels.
DeWitt Public Schools uses Infinite Campus to distribute urgent messaging to families on all opted-in channels.
Direct Text Alert
Direct Text Alert
Immediate notification for urgent instructions sent to all primary phone numbers.
Email Alert
Email Alert
Detailed contextual information sent shortly after the initial text.
Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management
Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management
BTAM (Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management)
BTAM (Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management)
BTAM is a structured, research-based process - recommended by the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Education, and the FBI - used to evaluate and respond to situations where a student’s behavior or communication may suggest a risk of harm. When a concern is reported, a trained, multidisciplinary team gathers facts, evaluates the level of concern, and puts safety measures and supports in place. The central question is not whether someone made a threat, but whether someone poses a threat. These are different questions that require careful, fact-based evaluation.
What Should You Know?
What Should You Know?
The process is activated any time a credible concern is reported - by students, staff, parents, or community members.
The team’s first priority is the immediate safety of all students and staff, including those directly affected by a threat.
Each situation is evaluated individually, based on evidence - not assumptions or profiles.
Safety measures may include increased supervision, coordination with law enforcement, restricted building access, and safety planning for affected individuals.
The district uses a structured classification system to guide response. Due to federal student privacy law (FERPA), the district generally cannot share specific classifications or details about individual cases.
The BTAM process focuses on actively managing and reducing risk, because removing a student from school does not, by itself, eliminate a safety concern.
Consequences for Making Threats
Consequences for Making Threats
Making threats of violence is a serious matter with serious consequences. Students who make threats are subject to suspension and expulsion under the district’s Student Code of Conduct. Beyond school discipline, Michigan law provides for criminal prosecution - including of minors - for making threats of violence against schools, students, or staff. The district cooperates fully with law enforcement and prosecutors to protect our students and hold those who threaten their safety accountable.
Report Concerns
Report Concerns
If you see or hear something that concerns you, report it.
Early reporting is one of the most effective ways to prevent school violence.
OK2SAY Tip Line: 855-565-2729
ok2say.state.mi.us/ (24/7, confidential)
In an emergency, always call 911.
Official Guidance:
Official Guidance:
A Parent's Guide to Understanding Threats
Safety Compliance
Safety Compliance
Under Michigan's Public Act 12 of 2014, all K-12 schools are required to complete and document specific safety drills each school year. Schools must post the detailed drill documentation on their official website within 30 days of completing a drill and keep it publicly available for at least 3 years
Summary of MCL.29.19:
Requires a school to schedule five fire drills, two tornado drills, and three school safety/security drills (e.g., lockdown, shelter in place, etc. At least one of the drills (fire, tornado, or safety/security) shall be conducted during a lunch or recess period, or at another time when students are gathered but not in classrooms.By no later than September 15, the chief administrator of a school shall provide a list of the scheduled drill days for all school buildings to the county emergency management coordinator.
Within 30 school days, the school is to post documentation of a completed school safety drill on its school website. The documentation must include at least the name of the school, the school year of the drill, the date and time of the drill, the type of drill completed, the number of completed drills for that school year for each type of drill required under the Code, the signature of the school principal (or a designee) acknowledging completion of the drill, and the name of the individual in charge of conducting the drill (if different from the school principal). The documentation must remain on the website for at least three years.
FIRE: Three of the fire drills must be held before December 1, and the two remaining fire drills must be held during the remainder of the school year with a reasonable spacing interval between each drill.
SAFETY/SECURITY: Three school safety/security drills (e.g., lockdown, shelter in place, etc.) with at least one to be conducted by December 1 and one after January 1, with a reasonable spacing interval between each drill.
One drill shall include security measures that are appropriate to an emergency such as a hazardous material release.
One drill shall include security measures involving a potentially dangerous individual on or near the school premises.
Seek input from the administration of the school and local public safety on the nature of the drill.
TORNADO: Two tornado drills with at least one of the tornado safety drills to be conducted in March.
Safe Storage of Firearms
Safe Storage of Firearms
A public annual notice of "Safe Storage of Firearms Information" is provided to all parents of our students as required by Public Act 257 of 2024 as amended by the Michigan Legislature on December 19, 2024.
Free gun locks are available:
DeWitt Public Schools Central Office
2957 W. Herbison Road, DeWitt, MI 48820 Office Hours (M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
DeWitt Township Police Station
1401 W. Herbison Road, DeWitt, MI 48820 Office hours (M-F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
DeWitt City Police Station
414 E. Main Street, DeWitt, MI 48820
Official Guidance:
Official Guidance:
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services -
Firearm Safety
Project Child Safe - A Guide to Responsible Gun Ownership, Safe Handling, and Secure Storage
Sexual Harassment and
Sexual Assault Information
Sexual Harassment and
Sexual Assault Information
DeWitt Public Schools shares information about sexual harassment and sexual assault with all students in grades 6 through 12. This is required by Michigan law (Public Act 57 of 2023, MCL 380.1508). The Michigan Departtment of Education created the Sexual Harassmentt and Sexual Assault Information Guide for schools to share with students.
Official Guidance:
Official Guidance:
Michigan Department of Education: Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Information for Students
Student Information Materials:
Student Information Materials:
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Information Guide
District Policies Related to
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Summary
District's Compliance Officers
Brian Doepker | 517-668-3008 | doepkerbri@dewittschools.net
Julie Farmer | 517-668-3002 | juliefarmer@dewittschools.net
Emergency Operations Plan/
Emergency Operations Plan/
Cardiac Emergency Response Plan
Cardiac Emergency Response Plan
MCL - Section 380.1308b
MCL - Section 380.1308b
Beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, and at least biennially thereafter Michigan Public Schools Must:
In conjunction with at least one law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the school district conduct a review of the emergency operations plan developed or adopted by the district, including a review of the vulnerability assessment
A school district shall develop an emergency operations plan for each school building operated by the school district. The board of the school district shall adopt the emergency operations plan by a majority vote of the members serving on the board. (DeWitt Public Schools Board of Education Emergency Operations Plan and Cardiac Emergency Plan Adoption: November 2025)
The emergency operations plan developed and adopted must include guidelines and procedures that address at least all of the following:
School violence and attacks.
Threats of school violence and attacks.
Bomb threats.
Fire.
Weather-related emergencies.
Intruders.
Parent and pupil reunification.
Threats to a school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises.
A plan to train teachers on mental health and pupil and teacher safety.
A plan to improve school building security.
An active violence protocol.
Continuity of operations after an incident.
A vulnerability assessment.
Protocol for when and how pupils are permitted to use wireless communications devices during an emergency.
*An emergency operations plan developed and adopted, any information provided to the department of Education, and any information provided to the department of state police is confidential and is exempt from disclosure under the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
ProtectMIChild:
ProtectMIChild:
ProtectMiChild is a free state program that blocks adult ads from reaching minors. It functions like a "Do Not Call" list for digital accounts, requiring marketers to filter out registered youth information.
Click the Button below to visit protectmichild.com
Raising Digitally Responsible Youth:
Raising Digitally Responsible Youth:
Created by Safer Schools Together in partnership with the International Center for Digital Threat Assessment, the Raising Digitally Responsible Youth Guide equips parents and caregivers with the knowledge needed to navigate today’s evolving tech landscape. The purpose of this guide is to explain popular social media platforms, video games, and online trends while offering practical strategies to establish healthy boundaries, foster open communication, and protect your child’s long-term digital reputation. Families can view the full guide directly on this webpage using the embedded interactive viewer below, download a PDF copy to any device for offline reading, or print a physical copy to keep handy at home.
Raising Digitally Responsible Youth.pdfA Parent's Guide to Fostering Safer Online Practices
on Snapchat & Beyond
A Parent's Guide to Fostering Safer Online Practices
on Snapchat & Beyond
Created by Safe and Sound Schools in partnership with Snap Inc., A Parent’s Guide to Fostering Safer Online Practices on Snapchat & Beyond equips parents and caregivers with actionable tools to help teens navigate today's digital spaces safely and responsibly. The purpose of this guide is to demystify popular platform features like Snapchat's Family Center, provide practical conversation prompts to foster open dialogue, and offer expert advice on establishing healthy boundaries, protecting digital reputations, and responding to online safety concerns. Families can view the full guide directly on this webpage using the embedded interactive viewer below, download a PDF copy to any device for quick offline reference, or print a physical copy to keep at home.
Online Safety Snapchat & Beyond.pdfSexting and Sextortion:
Sexting and Sextortion:
Sexting is defined as sending or receiving sexually explicit or suggestive images or videos through the internet or mobile devices. Sharing pictures with a romantic partner is a normal part of a relationship when it is done safely and respectfully, but sexting can cause some major life complications.
Michigan law says that anyone who takes a nude photo of someone under the age of 18 has committed a crime. In fact, producing, distributing, and possessing a nude picture of a minor could be punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Producing means you take the picture, distributing means you send it, and possessing means you have the image on your device. These images could get you in trouble with your parents, your school, and even with law enforcement.
What happens if your partner asks for sexually explicit pictures when you don’t want to? Maybe you’re okay with sending them because your partner says they will keep them private. But what happens when and if you break up? Might those “private” images and videos be passed around or shared?
The bottom line is that you should think twice before sending a nude.
Watch the FBI presentation to the DPS Board of Education on Sextortion
Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Resources
CMHA-CEI CCC Flyer.pdf
Bus Safety
Bus Safety
YELLOW means SLOW - RED means NO
Seeing those familiar yellow school buses signals students are on the move. Safety is the goal as DeWitt Public Schools transports nearly 3000 students to and from school. Review the following information so that you are "in-the-know" in regard to stopped school buses.
Yellow Hazard Light Bus Stop
When you see school buses pulling to the right side of the roadway with its yellow hazard lights (located at the bottom of the windows in the front and back of the bus), drivers can proceed with caution around the bus. The yellow hazard lights are NOT used when students have to cross the street.
Red Flashing Light Bus Stop
The yellow overhead flashing lights signal to motorists that the bus is preparing to stop using the overhead red flashing lights. This is the school bus stop that buses have always made with overhead red flashing lights in the front and back of the school bus accompanied by a stop sign that is extended from the driver's side of the school bus. This means to stop, wait until students have entered or exited the bus, and until the red flashing lights cease. It is unlawful for drivers to pass school buses with red flashing lights on.
Bus drivers do report motorists who choose to pass the bus when the red overhead lights are flashing. It is part of their job and responsibility to report any traffic code violations that may endanger children. Parents rely on us to transport their children safely and we take our job seriously.
Questions?
Contact your building principal or the Office of the Superintendent.
Reporting and Additional Safety Resources
Reporting and Additional Safety Resources
District Safety Committee
District Safety Committee
Mission:
Maintain a comprehensive, coordinated safety framework where every DeWitt Public Schools building is equipped to respond effectively to medical, behavioral, and environmental emergencies.
Purpose:
Ensure students and staff are provided with regular, consistent training in best safety practices/procedures so they are prepared to act in emergency situations
Review and update emergency operations plan annually
Verify compliance with state and federal laws
Work in close partnership with law enforcement from both jurisdictions regarding training, planning, procedures, materials, and terminology to make certain organization, cohesiveness, and foresight are in place throughout the district
Evaluate and address the safety needs/concerns of each district entity and stakeholder group
Committee Members
Committee Members
Sara Cochrane - Schavey Road Elementary Dean of Students
Amie Chrisman - Scott Elementary School Teacher
Brian Curtis - DeWitt City Chief of Police
Rick Colgrove - Director of Maintenance
Brian Doepker - Director of Curriculum
Mike Garrod - DeWitt Middle School Assistant Principal
Colleen Granger - Herbison Woods Elementary Teacher
Dwight Handspike - Board Member and Parent
Noah Hansen - Director of Communications
Nichole Lenneman - District Wellness Coordinator
Matt Merony - DeWitt Township Chief of Police
Marie Richards - DeWitt High School Assistant Principal and Safety Team Chair
Kevin Robydek - Superintendent
Lisa Smith - Director of Transportation
Michelle Wilcox - Community Education Director/FECC Administrator
Adam Zarzynski - Senior Systems Analyst
Report abuse