School safety is everyone's responsibility.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District protects students and staff with a comprehensive approach to safety, well-being and security.

(Click Here to Download The Circle of Safety in PDF Format)

PERSONAL LEVEL

• Reach out for social / emotional support when you need it
  
• "See something, say something" about suspicious activity
  
• Watch for behavioral changes
  
• Use social media responsibly
  
• Understand and follow safety instructions and drills
  
• Be observant of traffic and surroundings at bus stops
  
  

SCHOOL LEVEL

• Expanded visitor, vendor and volunteer screening
  
• Lockdown and active survival training in all schools
  
• Locked entrances and monitored access points
  
• Facility improvements including new locks, fencing in key areas, reinforcement of vulnerable areas
  
• Expanded digital surveillance
  
• "Stand Up Speak Out Against Bullying" reporting
  
  

DISTRICT LEVEL

• Additional crisis and evacuation training
  
• Additional school resource and CMS-PD detectives
  
• Deeper background checks for employees and volunteers
  
• SafeSchool training for all CMS employees
  
• Expanded school safety plans
  
• Rapid crisis communications
  

COMMUNITY LEVEL

• Increased mental health support 
  
• Law enforcement agency partnerships
  
• Parents talk to students about appropriate items to take to school 
  
• Ensure weapons are always secured and locked away
  
• Civic, faith and community mentors
  
• Community safe havens
  
• Look out for school buses and obey traffic laws