Utica Community Schools

Safety in UCS

Safety is a community priority for Utica Community Schools. Our district works closely with law enforcement, community leaders, parents and students to create a safety management process that is focused on the learning environment.

The 2023 bond issue supports safety initiatives across the district by providing safeguards recommended to proactively address any emergency situations.

The district uses a multi-layered approached focused on key areas:

• Education and Expectations – The district provides training, works with community partners and works to ensure that every member of the community has clear expectations when it comes to safety.
• Learning Environment – Working with law enforcement, UCS is constantly reviewing its schools with best practices related to security.
• Wellness and Mental Health – UCS students should feel a sense of belonging and purpose in schools. The district’s vision embodies this by empowering students to positively transform their future and the world.

The below chart can be downloaded at this link. 

Standard Response Protocol

UCS staff has been trained in the district's Standard Response Protocol used in the event of an emergency situation. Training for students is now ongoing. 

The protocols have five stages:

• Hold! - In the room or area and clear the halls
• Secure! - Get inside, lock outside doors
• Lockdown! - Locks, lights, out of sight
• Evacuate! - A location may be specified
• Shelter! - Hazard and safety strategy

Every classroom in UCS has a poster that identifies these strategies. To view the poster, please see this link.