Safety is a Focus in Our Schools
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Yelm Community Schools is focused on safety issues throughout the district and creating a sense of security for all students, staff and visitors.
When a safety-related incident occurs on or near a Yelm school, we strive to communicate quickly and accurately with families. Here are some things to know:- A lockdown means all campus doors are locked, and students remain inside their classrooms but instruction continues. This may occur when there is potential danger in the surrounding community.
- An enhanced lockdown means there is an active threat on campus. Staff apply ALICE techniques and use facts available in the moment to make informed decisions. This is a proactive strategy allowing students and staff to get away from a dangerous situation. SRO’s, Campus Security, and Staff have been trained on ALICE protocols.
In the event of a safety-related incident, the top priority is ensuring staff and students are safe. Our partnerships with law enforcement are critical in our ability to respond and communicate during a crisis situation. After that occurs, school leaders will communicate with families through School Messenger to keep them updated as appropriate.
District staff and Student Resource Officers (SRO) are trained in ALICE on how to respond in these scenarios. This national training focuses on response protocols. All administrators have introduced the ALICE model and are continuing to discuss ways to implement these practices with our students.
Reporting Safety Concerns
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Effective January 1, 2024, Yelm Community Schools will no longer be using STOP IT! to report concerns. We remain committed to addressing concerns related to student safety. Below are the priority resources to access when seeking support or reporting safety concerns.
If there is an immediate risk to life or safety, please call 911.
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During School Hours
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Students and parents may reach out to a trusted adult or School Principal with regards to student safety, including bullying, sexual harassment, and threats directed at a school campus.
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Students and parents may reach out to the School Counselor to communicate concerns related to your student’s or their peers’ mental health.
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After School Hours
Contact the most appropriate community resource:
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If you are concerned about a threat of violence targeting a school campus, please call 911.
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If you are concerned about the safety of any child at home, please contact the Washington End Harm Line at 1.866.363.4276.
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If you are concerned about the safety of any child in the community, call the appropriate police non-emergency line:
Yelm Police Department: 360.458.5701 (business hours only, call 911 otherwise)
Pierce County Sheriff: 253.287.4455
Thurston County Sheriff: 360.704.2740
Nisqually Tribal Police: 360.459.9603 -
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Crimestoppers
If you prefer to report a crime or dangerous situation anonymously, you may utilize Thurston County CrimeStoppers, which maintains a 24-hour call center at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You may also submit a tip online.