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Safeguarding Our Children: Optimal School Safety Measures Every Parent Should Know About

As the school year begins, thoughts of homework, school bells and full backpacks begin to fill the minds of teachers, parents and students. But the beginning of school can also bring anxiety. These days, school safety is front of mind for everyone, and the security and well-being of students and staff must be a top priority for all. Schools play a vital role in shaping the future of our world. Safety and security are essential for the peaceful atmosphere students require for learning and growth.

While the topic of school safety often brings to mind emergency incidents and tragedy, security measures reach far beyond that specific context. Here we will explore the steps parents can take to ensure the schools their children attend are not just physically secure but provide an environment where everyone can thrive.

Research Current Safety Plans

The first step in ensuring school safety is to do thorough research. Look into the current security measures your child’s school has in place. Ask questions about emergency response plans, staff training and crisis management.

Schools should complete a comprehensive security assessment to establish a strong foundation for school safety. This should involve experts in school safety, including external security consultants and law enforcement. These assessments should take into account existing infrastructure, policies and procedures. 

Parents should also discuss the school’s approach to mental health, bullying, conflict resolution and crisis management. These topics are essential to the well-being of the school community. 25% of middle school students reported experiencing bullying in schools and 33% reported being cyberbullied at least once a week, according to the Institute of Education Sciences. Parents should ask what curriculum their child’s school has to prevent these conflicts. An open and transparent approach to sharing safety information with parents is a positive sign.

Visit the School

Arrange a visit to your child’s campus. While there, pay attention to the physical layout, existing security systems and overall cleanliness. Schools should have visible and apparent access control, surveillance systems and security personnel. Access control can include controlling main entrances, classrooms and other sensitive areas. Additionally, a system for student, staff and visitor identification should be in use to track who is where in the school building.

While visiting the school, parents can also meet with school administrators to discuss safety concerns and initiatives. Engaging in dialogue with administrators provides insight into the school’s approach to safety and also shows your commitment to helping keep everyone in the school safe.

Training and Emergency Preparedness

It’s essential that all parents are familiar with emergency response plans. Schools should be prepared for medical incidents, security threats and natural disasters. The Institute of Education Sciences reported that, during the 2019-20 school year, the majority of schools had emergency plans for disasters, but only 89% had a plan for reuniting students with their families after a crisis. Parents should discuss evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures and communication protocols should an emergency occur.

Many schools also welcome parental involvement in safety plans. Safety workshops and information sessions may be available to cover topics including safety, bullying prevention, and personal safety for children. Participating in these events allows parents to stay informed and equipped to discuss safety with their students.

Get Involved

Engaging with your child’s school is one of the best things parents can do to ensure ongoing safety. The National Center for Family & Community Connections for Schools found there is a strong connection between parental involvement in schools and a student’s academic performance. Regularly read school newsletters, bulletins and information sent home to stay informed about safety procedures. Attend parent-teacher conferences and school activities to build relationships with the school community.

Networking with fellow parents and organizations in the community can also offer valuable insights into school safety. Engage in conversations about safety and concerns and get involved in the parent-teacher association. Find out if the school collaborates with law enforcement, emergency services, and community organizations. A strong network of support can strengthen safety initiatives and response plans.

By being proactive and staying informed, parents can play a key part in the safety of their children’s schools. Safe schools don’t just have the best security. They have a strong community, well-planned emergency preparedness and a collaborative approach that prioritizes the safety and well-being of everyone in the school.

We are More than a Security Provider

Schools partner with Signal because our commitment goes beyond mere security — we stand for safeguarding lives. Together, let’s build a safer, more secure environment for our children and the teachers that educate them. Learn how Signal’s proactive security service and mobile patrols help elevate the school’s security standards in your community.

Passion Award: Stephen Hayes
Signal of El Paso, TX & Signal of Greater Albuquerque, NM  


At Signal, we drive with passion in everything we do because passion connects people to purpose. 

Stephen Hayes exemplifies this every day. A positive and giving leader, Stephen is a role model to others in the network. He stays closely connected to the Home Office, ensuring he is personally executing operational details with excellence and accuracy. 

Beyond his own market, Stephen is always willing to lend advice and support anyone in the network who needs it, while maintaining strong results in his markets. His dedication, energy, and consistent positive attitude make him a powerful example of what it means to lead with passion. 

Honesty & Integrity Award: Jonas Palmer
Signal of Northwest Tennessee & Signal of Jackson, MS 

We live in honesty and integrity because without it, our company and our brand are hollow. 

Jonas Palmer has taken on some of our most challenging markets and turned them around in a remarkably short time. He leads from the front, never asking his team to do anything he isn’t willing to do himself. 

When feedback comes from the Home Office, whether operational or financial, Jonas responds with transparency and immediate follow-through. His professionalism, accountability, and respect in every interaction set a high standard for reliability and trust. 

Relationships Award: Mike Kosmet
Signal of Michigan 

We build relationships because healthy success can only be created with mutual respect for others. 

Mike Kosmet has demonstrated consistent success for more than a decade. He understands that collaboration fuels progress, as shown in his partnership with our Milwaukee office, which helped drive a significant market turnaround. 

Personable, responsive, and easy to work with, Mike prioritizes communication and follow-through. His ability to engage his team and work alongside peers has contributed to doubling the size of his business this year. He proves that strong relationships are a competitive advantage. 

Serving Award: Shane Wimer
Signal of Nebraska 

We serve our communities without hesitation because serving is the active ingredient in service. 

Shane Wimer led the development of Code Enforcement as a new service offering, generously sharing his entire process with the Home Office and fellow franchisees. His collaboration helped create sales and training materials that are driving growth across the network. 

He knows his officers by name and genuinely cares about their success, which is reflected in his team’s outstanding retention rates. Shane’s ability to balance strong financial performance with a people-first mindset makes his franchise a model for serving both community and team. 

Learning Award: Dan Liotta
Signal of Central and Northern Virginia  

We learn something every day by holding an open-minded approach to everything we do. 

Since joining Signal in 2023, Dan Liotta has made a significant impact. As a strategic and thoughtful leader, he delivers strong results and exceptional customer service by staying focused on sustainable growth. 

Dan is constantly seeking ways to improve his operations and bring more value to his market. His visionary mindset and commitment to continuous improvement remind us that growth begins with a willingness to learn.

Core Champion Award: Haris Johnson
Signal of Washington, D.C. 

While each award represents a specific value, the Core Champion brings them all together. 

Haris Johnson represents the full Signal mission in every aspect of his business. He makes a lasting impression in every interaction, from how he supports his officers to the passion he brings to serving clients. 

He is always exploring new ideas to improve his franchise and shows genuine appreciation for others across the network. His commitment to his team, his clients, and the future of Signal makes him a true Core Champion. 

Congratulations! 

These winners represent what makes Signal different. Our Core Values – Passion, Honesty & Integrity, Relationships, Serving, and Learning – are the foundation of how we operate and how we grow.  

To our 2025 Core Award winners: thank you for leading by example and for showing what it truly means to live the Signal mission.

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