Groveport Madison Schools

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Safety & Security

Groveport Madison Schools takes the safety of our students and staff very seriously. As part of the Student Services Department, they coordinate the District's safety and risk management program and provide guidance to schools and departments in maintaining a safe physical environment, adhering to safety regulations and maintaining required records. The Department also serves as District liaison with local, state, & federal agencies.

Safer Schools Ohio Tip Line

The Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Public Safety sponsors the SaferOH tip line that will accept both calls and texts 24 hours a day. This tip line allows students and adults to anonymously share information with school officials and law enforcement about threats to student safety—whether that involves a threatened mass incident or harm to a single student.

Every tip can remain anonymous. School safety analysts may ask for additional information, but the caller can remain secret or leave his or her contact information for later follow-up. Calls or texts to 844-SaferOH (844-723-3764) are answered by analysts in the Ohio Homeland Security’s Threat Assessment and Prevention (TAP) Unit. When action is needed, the TAP Unit immediately forwards information to local school officials, local law enforcement agencies and others, if necessary.

Emergency Response Level Definitions

Over the years, many terms have been used to describe the status of our schools during an emergency. It’s essential that our students, staff, parents, and community understand the current terminology we are using to respond to various situations. Please note the following:

STAY PUT: (Movement is restricted within the building due to an unexpected event)

Classrooms are locked and secured, and access to the school is restricted. Students remain inside their classrooms, and all students must be accounted for.

Example: A "Stay Put" status may be implemented in the event of a disturbance, an individual requiring medical attention, or an urgent maintenance issue needing to be addressed. There could also be a Stay Put order in place if a threat is being investigated, such as if the school and first responders were evaluating a social media threat.

SECURED PERIMETER: (Movement is restricted outside the building due to a potential safety concern)

Exterior doors are locked, and access to the school is restricted. Regular school day activities will continue inside the building, but activities outside the building are not permitted. Until the school is advised by Law Enforcement, no one may leave or enter the building while a Secured Perimeter is in effect.

Example: A "Secure Perimeter" order may be implemented in the event of a suspicious person in the neighborhood or by order of law enforcement officials.

LOCKDOWN: (There is a risk of imminent life-threatening danger)

Classrooms are locked and secured, and access to the school is restricted. Classrooms must take appropriate actions based on the situation (including rapid evacuation, barricade, etc.). We only use the term, Lockdown, when there is a direct threat to the people inside the building.

SHELTER IN PLACE: (Movement is restricted within the building)

Move all students and staff inside the building to a secured area.

Example: A "Shelter in Place" order may be implemented during a severe weather incident, chemical spill, or crash scene near the school.