CTK Security

I want everyone to know that since I first came here, I have been assessing the safety and security of CTK.  While I was at Holt Lutheran, I revamped our security procedures to coincide with local agency.  Even on Thursday night, I told the voters at CTK that security was one of the top 3 items I want to work on this year (technology upgrade and math curriculum being the other two).

I met with the security team about a month ago to talk about some immediate changes that need to be done. Though it may not be much, or enough to stop someone who breaches into our school with a gun, it has helped a little.  Part of not using the church doors in the morning was to help the Church office workers, but the other half was for security reasons.  We also replaced a lock by the daycare room and added a light so those who are working can see out.  I also talked with our corespondent to the local police agency.

Some of the things on the security team current to-do-list is: 1) add 16 cameras, hooked up to a DVR around the school /church.  Each door will have a camera, as well as each major area.  We will be able to record anyone coming in or coming out any door.  2) adding a mag lock to the school doors.  This will make the inner doors lock, with needing to be buzzed in.  Some of the other objectives is to have the police into our building to run some drills and a mock emergency.

What else?

I am working on reviewing our Crisis Management Manual.  I want to update it to be in-line with other schools in the downriver area. By law we have at least two lock down drills during the school year.  Although we have not had one yet, they are planned for the near future.  We have had a few tornado and fire drills, which we need many drills for.  After we update our crisis management manual, the teachers will need to be trained on current tactics for school safety.

Some of our difficulties?

The biggest difficulty we have is being a big building.  We have a lot of entry points with doors and windows.  We are also connected to the Church.  As a church and a school we want to be welcoming to visitors, but we also want to be safe.  Lastly, we have many groups that use the school and church.  A lot of times the other groups consist of people who are not a part of our Church and school, ie. Boy Scouts.

How can you help?

Even with the Cameras, mag lock doors, and lock down drills, we can't plan or prevent every possible outcome.  But, with all of that, we need your help also.  If you see someone in the hallways or on school property that you don't recognize, ask them how you can help.  If they seem off or won't answer, ask them to leave.  Let the office know and if need be, call the police.  Please don't ever put yourself in harms way.  We are fortunate that we do have many parents that are in the line of law enforcement.  We have individuals that do check throughout the day and have a lock up committee to make sure all doors are locked at the end of the day.  Also, if you see anything that concerns you, please let me know.

If you are wondering how to talk to your child, I have seen this article going around on Facebook http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/resources_for_families/talking_to_children_about_community_violence 

My prayers and the CTK staff prayers go out to the families involved in this tragedy.  Please continue to pray for those involved and let them find their focus on the salvation in Christ.