Campus Safety

Here are five actionable items that WCCUSD takes to ensure the safety of its students:

1. Regular Safety Drills and Emergency Response Testing
   WCCUSD conducts frequent drills for a variety of emergency situations, including fire evacuations, lockdowns, and earthquake preparedness. These drills help ensure that students, staff, and emergency responders are familiar with safety procedures and know how to react quickly in case of an emergency.

2. Physical Security Measures
   The district has invested in enhanced security systems across all schools, including surveillance cameras, controlled access points, and security personnel. These measures help monitor and restrict access to campuses, ensuring that only authorized individuals are on school grounds.

3. Mental Health and Counseling Support
   WCCUSD provides robust mental health services to students, including counseling and conflict resolution programs. These services are designed to address emotional and behavioral needs, helping to prevent crises and supporting the well-being of students.

4. Training and Professional Development for Staff
   Teachers, administrators, and staff receive ongoing training on recognizing and addressing potential threats, whether they’re related to mental health, bullying, or physical safety. This training ensures that staff are well-prepared to identify early warning signs and respond effectively to student concerns.

5. Collaboration with Local Law Enforcement and Emergency Responders
   WCCUSD partners closely with local police and emergency responders to coordinate safety protocols and ensure a rapid, efficient response in the event of a crisis. These partnerships provide an added layer of security and ensure that emergency teams are familiar with the district’s procedures.

These actionable steps help WCCUSD maintain a secure, supportive learning environment where students can thrive.

Yes. At the West Contra Costa Unified School District, the safety of our students, staff, and school communities is our highest priority. As part of our commitment to keeping our schools safe, we have developed a comprehensive safety plan for each school within the district, in line with Policy 3.5 on Prevention and Mitigation.

These plans are not only designed to respond effectively to emergencies but also to prevent them. We ensure that each school has clear, well-rehearsed procedures for a variety of situations, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and potential threats. To keep these plans up-to-date, we conduct regular drills and test our response strategies. Emergency response teams are always prepared, with trained staff and local first responders on hand, ready to address any situation swiftly and efficiently.

Beyond emergency preparedness, we also focus on prevention. Our district implements programs that promote conflict resolution, mental health support, and a safe campus environment. Security measures, such as surveillance systems and controlled access points, are also in place to protect our students.

Please know that we are continually reviewing and improving our safety practices. By working together and staying vigilant, we can ensure that every student in our district is able to learn in a secure, supportive environment. Thank you for your continued partnership in making our schools a safe place for all.

For more information about WCCUSD's safety plans click here.

Yes. We use Powerschool for emergency alerts.  If a threat occurs, we will immediately notify parents through our communication systems (Powerschool), including phone calls, texts, and emails.

However, we ask that you please wait for further instructions before coming to the school. While we understand that you may want to be with your child, arriving on campus during an active situation can create additional challenges and put everyone in danger. We are working closely with law enforcement and emergency responders to manage the situation, and we need to keep the campus secure and clear for safety operations.

As soon as it is safe and appropriate, we will provide specific instructions on how to proceed, including any steps for picking up your child, if necessary. Your cooperation in following these instructions is critical to ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Thank you for your understanding and support.
Together, we can ensure the safety of our students and staff.

To ensure that you receive important emergency notifications from the school, we ask that you coordinate with your school's main office manager to test and troubleshoot your contact information. This will help us confirm that we have the correct phone number and email on file for your child's emergency contacts.

It’s also essential that we have accurate and up-to-date information so that we can reach you quickly in the event of an emergency. Please take a moment to verify that your contact details are correct and ensure that you’re signed up to receive messages from the school.

Thank you for helping us maintain clear communication and keep your child safe.

If a threat occurs at one of our schools, we take immediate action to ensure the safety of all students and staff. We work closely with local law enforcement and emergency responders to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. If necessary, we will implement lockdown procedures, evacuate the school, or take any other steps required to protect everyone.

We will notify parents as soon as possible through our communication system, and we will provide clear instructions on how to proceed. It’s very important that you wait for official instructions before coming to the school, as arriving on campus during an active situation can create additional risks. We are committed to handling these situations with the utmost care and transparency, and your child’s safety is always our primary concern.

Here are a few other things to do to keep your child safe at school:

1. Keep Contact Information Up to Date
Make sure the school has your current phone number, email address, and emergency contact information. This ensures you receive timely updates and notifications during an emergency. You can check with the school’s main office to confirm that your contact details are correct.

2. Encourage Open Communication with Trusted Adults
Talk to your child about the importance of speaking up if they feel unsafe or see something concerning. Encourage them to trust and communicate with a trusted adult at school, whether it’s a teacher, counselor, or principal. Ensuring that your child knows who to approach for help is crucial in preventing issues from escalating.

3. Participate in School Safety Drills & Stay Informed
Connect with the main office and be involved in school safety efforts by attending meetings or learning about the safety drills and protocols your child’s school practices. Staying informed allows you to be better prepared in case of an emergency, and it shows your child that safety is a shared responsibility.

4. Remind Your Child About School Safety Procedures
Talk with your child about the importance of following safety rules at school, such as staying with their class during evacuations, listening to teachers during lockdown drills, and knowing the procedures for getting to safety in case of a fire or other emergency. Reinforce that these procedures are in place to protect them and their peers.

At WCCUSD, one of the most important ways you can stay safe is by talking to someone you trust. If you ever feel worried, scared, or need help with something, there are trusted adults at school who are here for you. A trusted adult is any teacher, counselor, principal, school nurse, or staff member who you feel comfortable talking to.

Here’s how the trusted adult system can help you stay safe:

1. Speak Up
   If you notice something that makes you feel unsafe, whether it's a situation, behavior, or threat, don't hesitate to talk to a trusted adult. They are there to listen and take your concerns seriously. No issue is too small or too big to share.

2. Ask for Help
   If you're feeling anxious, worried, or upset, a trusted adult can help you work through your feelings and find solutions. They are there to support you emotionally and help guide you through difficult situations.

3. Report Concerns
   Whether it’s something happening to you or a friend, you can trust a school adult to take action if you report an issue. Your safety and well-being matter, and adults are trained to handle these situations in the right way.

4. Know Who Your Trusted Adults Are
   It's important to know who these adults are in your school. They may be in the classroom, the office, or even on the playground. If you're not sure, ask your teacher or counselor to help you identify someone you can turn to when needed.

Remember, your voice matters, and you are never alone. By relying on trusted adults, you can help create a safer, more supportive school environment for yourself and your peers.

This message helps students understand that they have a system of support in place and that reaching out to a trusted adult is an important step in staying safe. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!

We recognize that emotional safety is just as important as physical safety. In addition to our emergency response plans, we provide counseling services and mental health support for students who may be impacted by a crisis or stressful situation. Our counselors and mental health professionals are available to support students, help them process difficult experiences, and provide coping strategies.

If a student is struggling with anxiety, trauma, or any other emotional challenges, we are here to help them work through it. We also offer conflict resolution programs and peer support networks to foster a positive and caring school community. Our goal is to ensure that every child feels safe and supported, both physically and emotionally, during their time at school.

If you're a student at a WCCUSD school and there’s an emergency, here’s what you should do:

1. Stay Calm
   First and foremost, stay as calm as possible. Emergencies can be frightening, but staying calm will help you think clearly and follow instructions.

2. Listen for Instructions
   Pay close attention to any announcements or instructions from your teacher, principal, or other school staff. In most emergencies, adults will give you clear directions on what to do next, whether that’s evacuating, locking down, or staying in your classroom.

3. Follow Safety Procedures
   Each school has safety plans in place for different situations. These plans could include things like evacuating to a safe area (e.g., a field or gym), locking down the classroom (in case of a threat), or going to a designated assembly point. Your teacher will guide you based on the situation.

4. Help Others
   If it’s safe to do so, assist classmates who may need help—whether it’s following the evacuation route, staying calm, or finding safety. Stick with your class or teacher during an evacuation.

5. Wait for Further Instructions
   If there’s an ongoing situation, do not leave your designated area until you’re told it’s safe. Parents will be notified, and you’ll be given instructions on how to reunite with your family.

6. Stay in Communication (When Safe)
   If it’s possible and safe to do so, make sure your family knows you’re okay by texting them or following any communication procedures set by the school. But remember, communication systems may be busy during an emergency, so don’t panic if it takes a moment to get in touch.

Remember, safety is the most important thing. Trust your teachers, school staff, and emergency responders—they are trained to handle these situations and will guide you every step of the way.

At WCCUSD, one of the most important ways you can stay safe is by talking to someone you trust. If you ever feel worried, scared, or need help with something, there are trusted adults at school who are here for you. A trusted adult is any teacher, counselor, principal, school nurse, or staff member who you feel comfortable talking to.

Here’s how the trusted adult system can help you stay safe:

1. Speak Up
   If you notice something that makes you feel unsafe, whether it's a situation, behavior, or threat, don't hesitate to talk to a trusted adult. They are there to listen and take your concerns seriously. No issue is too small or too big to share.

2. Ask for Help
   If you're feeling anxious, worried, or upset, a trusted adult can help you work through your feelings and find solutions. They are there to support you emotionally and help guide you through difficult situations.

3. Report Concerns
   Whether it’s something happening to you or a friend, you can trust a school adult to take action if you report an issue. Your safety and well-being matter, and adults are trained to handle these situations in the right way.

4. Know Who Your Trusted Adults Are
   It's important to know who these adults are in your school. They may be in the classroom, the office, or even on the playground. If you're not sure, ask your teacher or counselor to help you identify someone you can turn to when needed.

Remember, your voice matters, and you are never alone. By relying on trusted adults, you can help create a safer, more supportive school environment for yourself and your peers.

This message helps students understand that they have a system of support in place and that reaching out to a trusted adult is an important step in staying safe. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!

If there’s a lockdown, it means that there may be a potential danger, and we need to make sure everyone is as safe as possible. During a lockdown, your teacher or a trusted adult will guide you to a safe place, usually inside the classroom, where you will stay quiet and calm. You won’t leave the room until it's clear that the situation is over, and we know it’s safe to do so. Remember, it’s very important to listen to your teacher and follow their instructions during a lockdown. Your safety is our number one priority, and we will always do everything we can to protect you.

If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, it’s important to speak up. Talk to a trusted adult—a teacher, counselor, principal, or any staff member you feel comfortable with. They are here to listen to you and help make sure you're safe. If you’re not sure who to talk to, you can also talk to a school resource officer or call a helpline for support. Remember, you don’t have to handle it alone. You have a whole team of adults here at school who care about your well-being and are ready to help.

There are several ways you can help make your school safer! First, if you see something that doesn’t seem right—whether it’s someone acting suspiciously, or someone talking about harming themselves or others—don’t stay silent. Talk to a trusted adult so they can take action. Second, always be kind and respectful to others.

Creating a positive school culture where everyone feels welcome and supported can go a long way in preventing problems before they start. Finally, always follow the rules and safety procedures—whether it's during an evacuation drill or simply keeping doors locked and secure.

When we all work together, we create a safer environment for everyone.