School Safety

A safe, orderly environment is necessary to support student achievement.  A coordinated effort among students, parents, educators and community members will keep our schools safe. Through study, planning, education and follow-up, we will continue to have safe schools that support student learning. If you have questions about school safety contact Director of Safety and Security, Ted Brown at 574-914-4850 x8013 or send email.


Winter Safety Tips

Whether winter brings severe storms, light dustings or just cold temperatures, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm.  For more info ...


When weather conditions are severely cold, temperatures below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, or a windchill factor of -19 degrees below zero Fahrenheit or less.  Frostbite can occur at 30 minutes of exposure, according to the National Weather Service Windchill Chart.  Please refer to this Transportation page for more information on alternate bus routes for Walkers.

  • When weather conditions warrant a school delay, early release or closing, notice will be posted on all local radio and television stations.
  • We encourage you to plan ahead and make arrangements for your child(ren) in the event of an early dismissal so there is no confusion.
  • It is our understanding that the Boys’ and Girls’ Club and the After-School Childcare program through Kaleidoscope are both closed on the days school is dismissed for bad weather.

New This Year:

The Plymouth Community School Corporation will implement a new process during inclement weather when conditions require a short delay to the start of school.  In an effort to reduce the number of "lost days" due to school cancellation, the Superintendent will utilize a Three Hour Delay program.  This new program will be used only as necessary in the interest of student safety.

Three Hour Delay

What Does it Look Like?
School regularly starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.

  • On a three-hour delay school starts at 11:00 a.m.
  • Bus riders will be picked up three hours from their regular pickup time.

Example:  Normal Pick-up Time:  7:15 a.m. / 3-hour Delay Pick-up Time:  10:15 a.m.

  • On a three-hour delay school ends at 4:00 p.m.

    Advantages

  • Avoid needless make-up days
  • Ensure safer transportation to school during bad weather
  • Allow the highway departments more time to clear roads
  • Best use of the IDOE’s rules for bad weather
  • Extracurricular activity buses will leave at 4:15 p.m.

Two Hour Delay

 What Does it Look Like?
 School regularly starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.

In the case of a two hour delay, school will start two hours from the regular starting time.
Example:  Normal 1st Bell:  7:50 a.m. / 2-hour Delay Bell:  9:50 a.m.

Bus riders will be picked up two hours from their regular pickup time.
Example:  Normal Pick-up Time:  7:15 a.m. / 2-hour Delay Pick-up Time:  9:15 a.m.

Release time at the end of the day does not change.


How can I stay informed?

School ReachPhone System for contacting parents for

  • School closings, delays and early releases
  • Mass Emergency Contact
  • Update your information for SchoolReach:

English Letter & Form  
la carta del servicio del teléfono de la emergencia y forma


School Emergency Frequently Asked Questions

What is emergency preparedness?
Plymouth Community School Corporation has taken steps to ensure your child's safety while in school. Each school has developed a crisis response plan. Emergency preparedness is basically preparing the steps you will take in the event of an emergency, such as contact information, communications, and evacuation plans.

How will my child's school handle an emergency situation?
All PCSC School facilities have an emergency preparedness plan. The specifics of each plan differ for each location. The response to each situation will differ based on the specifics of that situation.

How can I see the security plan for my child's school?
PCSC School's do not release this type of specific information, pursuant to the Indiana Code 5-14-3-4. This law provides specific exclusions to the type of information that can be released.

What is lockdown?
An emergency may prevent the safe evacuation of a school building and require steps to isolate students and faculty from danger by instituting a school lock down. In an interior lock down situation, all students are kept in classrooms or other designated locations that are away from the danger. School personnel will also secure building entrances, ensuring that no unauthorized individuals leave or enter the building. Exterior lock down procedures may also be used to ensure the safety of students when an incident occurs in the community. Parents are permitted access to the building through the main office only with identification required if safe to do so.

What if my child is riding a school bus at the time of a crisis?
School bus drivers will be in contact with the Office of Transportation for instructions in the event that a crisis occurs while students are in transport. Bus drivers will be informed to use common sense and not travel toward the crisis location. Parents will be informed of the parent-student reunification center location via the school system public web home page and via School Reach.

Can I pick up my child?
Parents are allowed to pick up their children unless public safety officials have declared a shelter-in-place response, or there is some other reason why access to the facility is restricted. During any emergency, school personnel will maintain as safe and normal environment for children within the school as is possible. School is not automatically canceled in emergency situations. Remember, school may be the safest place for children.

Who can pick up my children?
Children may not be released to individuals who are not authorized on the student's emergency care card or who do not have written parent authorization.

The emergency care form is completed by parents and guardians at the start of each school year. Parents and guardians are encouraged to update the emergency contact information as needed throughout the school year.

Friends and neighbors may sign a child or children out with written permission from a parent or parents. Both (or all) parents may give permission in writing for the sign out and pickup. Schools prefer to have written permission on the day that a child's pickup will change, but schools may also keep written permission on file. School offices may keep the permission notes--and are asked to attach them to the emergency care card(s) of those involved. Schools may also ask for identification when the child is released to the one(s) mentioned in the permission note. It is advisable to communicate with the teacher as well, perhaps with a copy of the signed written note.

What about my child's medication?
If your child takes medication regularly, You, the parent, should make sure that the school has an appropriate amount of additional medication on hand. Talk with your child's school nurse for more information.

Are students allowed to have cell phones at school?
Plymouth Community School Corporation's cell phone use if based on the individual school code of conduct. In the event of an emergency, students will be allowed to use their phones based on individual school code of conduct rules. It is important to recognize that in an emergency situation, however, cell phone circuits may become overloaded, interfering with public safety's ability to communicate.

Can I contact my child?
Parents are asked not to call the school in emergency situations so phone lines can remain accessible for handling the specific situation.

How are field trips handled?
The impact of any critical situation on field trips--both district wide and at individual schools--will depend on the specifics of the situation. If the situation warrants, all field trips will be canceled. Cancellations could also include travel to schools, community programs, and other events. There may be circumstances that could require the cancellation of field trips to certain areas. All school buses are equipped with radio communications with the transportation office. If a field trip is under way and must be recalled, buses would be directed to return to the school or a designated safe area. Parents are reminded that PCSC retains the right to cancel any field trip for safety reasons.


Weather Advisory

Prepare - Plan - Stay Informed

Tornadoes

Tornadoes - Ready.gov

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
  • To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
  • Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
  • Look for the following danger signs:
  • Dark, often greenish sky
  •  Large hail
  • A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
  • Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
  • If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.