MCPS Presents Multi-Layered School Safety Plan to the Board of Education
Dear MCPS Families,
Ensuring the safety of our schools is our top priority, and at Montgomery County Public Schools, we are working to ensure that this school year is safe and positive for all students, staff, and visitors.
It is important to reflect that in recent days, several of our schools have been the victims of antisemitic and politically charged vandalism, including graffiti depicting swastikas and, in some instances, anti-LGBTQ+ language. We recognize the harm and anxiety these hateful actions can cause for our students, staff and families. These acts are not just illegal—they are profoundly damaging to our community, creating an atmosphere of fear and division. In this politically and emotionally charged time, when meaningful conversations can be difficult, it is more important than ever that we stand together to call out this behavior and work collectively to remove such divisive actions from our lives.
As safety is a profound priority, district leaders on Tuesday, Aug. 20, provided the Board of Education an update on security measures planned to support students and staff in the upcoming school year. This message shares information from that presentation and other important work to bring high levels of physical and social-emotional safety to our schools and offices.
The multi-layered plan includes four main components:
Conditions for Success
The MCPS Student Code of Conduct, which is revised annually, provides a framework for these expectations. For the upcoming school year, all secondary students will complete a Student Expectations Module alongside the Student Culture of Respect Module. This will help every student understand the behavior we expect to see and the consequences for misbehavior as defined by the MCPS Student Code of Conduct.
To minimize distractions and maintain a focus on education, students will not be able to access social media sites on the MCPS network. Additionally, we are reviewing our current policy on personal mobile devices and piloting an "Away All-Day" cellphone policy in several schools. This initiative aims to reduce distractions, prevent cyberbullying and improve student engagement.
We are also expanding the student identification (Student ID) program, which was piloted last year in five high schools. By November 2024, this program will be implemented in all high schools.
Emergency Preparedness
Each school, in collaboration with the Office of Systemwide Safety and Emergency Management (OSSEM), will update its School Emergency Plans annually. These plans outline the actions staff and students should take before, during and after emergencies. Schools will also participate in emergency drills, and we will continue to work closely with community partners to ensure our preparedness.
Physical Infrastructure
All MCPS elementary schools have been equipped with security cameras. Additionally, MCPS will use funds from a settlement agreement to install vape sensors in high school restrooms to combat the youth vaping epidemic.
Staffing and Training
Seven additional security assistants have been allocated to secondary schools for the 2024–2025 school year. We are also increasing training for students and staff. Our school-based security staff will continue to receive specialized training, including de-escalation techniques and best practices for creating a positive school environment.
Additional Safety Initiatives
Confronting Hate Bias and Bullying
This year, the district is beginning an outreach initiative to confront hate bias and bullying. The aim is to create an environment of understanding, education and proactive actions for all members of our school community. This effort is dedicated to defining the various forms of hate-bias and bullying, and providing clear educational resources to help students, staff and parents recognize these harmful behaviors. Moreover, the campaign communicates practical guidance on responding effectively if you witness or experience such incidents.
School-Based Mental Health and Social-Emotional Support
Student well-being, mental health and social-emotional safety are the fundamental building blocks of student success. To this end, every school in MCPS has a Student Well-Being Team designed to triage individual student needs and provide the appropriate level of intervention and support. These teams include school counselors, psychologists, pupil personnel workers, and at the high school level, full-time social workers. Additionally, restorative approaches specialists are deployed at middle schools to support behavioral health. This year, MCPS is partnering with Thrive Behavioral Health, Sheppard Pratt and the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) to provide direct therapeutic services in 101 elementary and middle schools. Through MCPS’ comprehensive approach, every student in MCPS has access to school-based and external mental health providers.
Additionally, MCPS is one of 15 school districts nationwide chosen to participate in the initial three-year cohort of schools with the Jed Foundation to develop a districtwide, data-driven, integrated mental health framework. Upon completion, this framework will serve as a progress model that will use data to assess needs, measure the impact of services and supports, and provide district and school-level accountability.
Learn More About the Data Driving This Work
In the 2023–2024 school year, a total of 4,424 incidents were reported through our student information system, Synergy. Of these, 726 (16%) were classified as critical incidents, potentially impacting student safety. These incidents included categories such as weapons, bomb threats, fighting, drug-related issues and trespassing.
It’s important to note that 3,698 (84%) of the reported incidents were non-critical, posing no direct threat to student safety. Examples of non-critical incidents include minor issues such as small animals entering the school or temporary power outages. Even though these incidents are non-critical, they are documented to ensure they are resolved without disrupting school operations.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust in MCPS as we work together to ensure the safety and success of our students.
View the presentation to the Board of Education via video here and the slides used here.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Resources
- Learn more about Safety in MCPS
- Emergency Preparedness in MCPS
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Safe Schools Maryland Hotline: 833-MD-B-Safe (833-632-7233)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org