Safety First

Safety Is… and Always Will Be… Our Top Priority! At W.A. Perry Middle School, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our number one priority—each and every day. We know that when students feel safe and secure, they are better able to focus, learn, and thrive. That’s why we take every precaution to create and maintain a safe environment throughout our school building and campus.

Richland One and W.A. Perry Middle School have implemented comprehensive safety practices and procedures to ensure the protection of every student from the moment they arrive to the time they return home. Detailed emergency plans have been developed, reviewed, and are regularly practiced by staff and students—especially during the first few weeks of school. These drills are conducted seriously and consistently throughout the year to ensure we are prepared for any situation.

We are also proud to have Officer Jessica Jackson stationed full-time on our campus. Officer Jackson plays an active role in monitoring our school, building relationships with students, and supporting a safe school culture. To further enhance security, all school entrances have been updated with a “buzz-in” system and intercom. After morning arrival, all visitors must enter through a single designated entrance. Access is granted only after being screened by front office staff via camera and intercom. Visitors are required to sign in and must present a driver’s license to check out a student.

Each morning and several times throughout the day, our SRO and School Security Associate inspect the entire facility and grounds for anything unusual. Every classroom is equipped with a phone, and our administrators, SRO, and front office staff remain in constant communication through two-way radios and cell phones—ensuring a rapid response when needed.

Our entire staff is committed to actively supervising students from arrival to dismissal. We also take time during the first days of school—and regularly throughout the year—to talk with students about the importance of safety and their role in maintaining it. We encourage them to immediately report anything they see or hear that could pose a threat. All concerns shared with school personnel are treated seriously and with complete confidentiality.

These are just a few of the many systems we have in place to ensure safety at WAPMS. We ask that you speak with your child about the importance of following safety procedures and stress the importance of reporting anything that doesn’t seem right. A safe school environment is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing this message at home.

If you ever have questions or concerns about your child’s safety or well-being, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a school administrator. Our goal is for every student, staff member, and family to feel secure and supported at W.A. Perry Middle School—and with your partnership, we will continue to make that goal a reality.

Thank you for your continued support and trust.