 OSSC Back-to-School Bulletin
PRIORITIZE • PREPARE • FOCUS
It’s almost that time—Back to School! The Ohio School Safety Center (OSSC) wants to help schools, families, and communities start the year safe, ready, and connected. As you gear up for the first day, remember these three important steps: PRIORITIZE, PREPARE, and FOCUS.
PRIORITIZE Communication
Strong communication is the foundation for a safe and successful school year. Before students walk through the doors:
- Reach Out Early – Teachers and principals can welcome families with letters, emails, or phone calls before the first day.
- Share the Essentials – Make sure families have school calendars, bell schedules, teacher assignments, and supply lists in a clear, easy-to-read format.
- Explain the Rules – Go over school policies, expectations, and safety procedures, like fire drills or lockdowns, in ways everyone can understand—including families whose first language isn’t English.
- Stay Connected All Year – Use newsletters, school apps, phone calls, and emails to keep communication open. Respond quickly to questions or concerns.
- Update Contact Info – Double-check tip line numbers, emergency contact sheets, and staff phone lists to ensure they’re correct from day one.
- Update your emergency contact sheet, which is submitted with your emergency operations plan. Give us a call if you need help accessing the safety plan portal. 614-644-2641.
- Safer Ohio School Tip Line:
PREPARE the Learning Environment
A safe, organized space helps everyone do their best work and keeps everyone safe.
- Set Up Classrooms – Label items, arrange seating for comfort and collaboration, and create welcoming bulletin boards. Flexible seating can help meet different learning styles. Keep trip fall hazards up and off the floor and aisles clear in case of lockdowns or evacuations.
- Establish Routines – Go over morning procedures, homework rules, dismissal plans, and what to do during transitions. Create routines while completing annual drills. Model the routines and let students practice them until they become habits and second nature during stressful times.
- Check Your Tools – Make sure computers, tablets, and other tech are working—and that staff know how to use them. Check door locks, keys, evacuation routes and ensure everything is in good working order.
- Do a Safety Check – Walk through the building to check AEDs, first aid kits, door locks, radios, PA systems, and keys. Make sure chemicals are stored safely.
- Plan Drills in Advance – Schedule lockdown, fire, and severe weather drills for the year. Make sure staff and regular substitutes know their roles.
- After-School Plans – Review how emergencies will be handled during sports, clubs, and other after-school events.
FOCUS on Relationships & Positive School Culture
Strong relationships and a positive school climate make safety and learning go hand in hand.
- Build Connections – Start the year with activities that help teachers, students, and parents/guardians get to know each other. Build an environment where students feel comfortable sharing safety concerns.
- Support Students – Have systems in place to help with academic, emotional, and social needs—like counseling, special education services, and clubs.
- Promote Respect – Set the tone for a culture of respect, inclusion, and kindness. Address bullying early and consistently.
- Anti Harassment Intimidation And Bullying Resources | Ohio School Safety Center
- Invest in Staff – Offer training and professional development to keep staff skills fresh and help them handle challenges with confidence.
Need Help Getting Started?
The OSSC has resources to help with:
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