Some common questions that we've heard from parents and guardians throughout the years:
Q. What are steps you're taking to keep our kids safe:
A: At American Academy, student safety is our highest priority, and we maintain multiple layers of security everyday:
- School Resource Officers (SROs): Experienced law enforcement officers are permanently assigned to our campuses. They provide on-site security, build relationships with students and staff, and deliver safety education through programs like Y.E.S.S. (Youth Education and Safety in Schools).
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Rebel Watch Program: Trained parent volunteers are present on campus to provide an extra layer of visibility and support throughout the day.
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Extensive Camera Coverage: Security cameras monitor both the interior and exterior of every campus, including entrances, hallways, and common areas.
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Secure Entry: All exterior doors remain locked at all times. Front entrances are triple locked—visitors pass through multiple secured doors where staff can visually confirm and screen them before granting access.
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Badged Access: Only authorized staff with identification badges may unlock or enter secured areas.
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Automatic Locking Systems: Every door locks automatically when closed, ensuring no door is accidentally left unsecured.
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Close Partnership with Law Enforcement: We work with the Douglas County School District Safety and Security team, local police departments, and School Resource Officers to review and enhance protocols regularly.
These measures, combined with regular safety drills, staff training, and clear emergency procedures, ensure that every student is protected while learning at American Academy.
Q: What about the use of canines?
A: We are actively researching this possibility – it would have to be a cooperative effort between law enforcement (SROs) and the school. There are a million considerations, but we have been having conversations with law enforcement.
Q: How does AA address the topics of danger being present in all schools?
A: We have age appropriate conversations with students with respect to our drills. We will share more information next school year about talking to your students at home to reinforce the learning and response.
Q: What is the protocol for K-8 at AA for a threat assessment?
A: Generally, we error on the side of caution. We will investigate anything reported by staff or students and, if warranted, start the a threat assessment protocol. A security plan is created if necessary.
Q: What can you tell us about the use of School Resource Officers (SROs) at American Academy?
A: American Academy is fortunate to have a full-time, dedicated School Resource Officer at each campus. Our SROs are present every school day, building positive relationships with students and staff, and responding promptly to any safety or security concerns.
Q: What can you tell us about the use of Counselors and other Mental Health Professionals at American Academy?
A: Each American Academy campus is also supported by a dedicated Counselor and Social Worker. They collaborate closely with teachers, staff, and SROs to foster a mentally healthy, supportive school environment for all students.
Q: Is there bullying reporting that is more local than Safe2Tell? A: Yes, American Academy has a
bullying incident report form on our website that is local to our school. We promote this to our students, it lives in multiple places our website for parents and students to access, and it will continue to do so.
Q: Will American Academy be isolating the middle school students from younger students?A: No. The great value in a K-8 is the interaction of older students and younger students. We have mentoring opportunities both during and after school (book buddies, performing arts, etc.) – these interactions are what makes a K-8 so special. The older students are held to a high standard for behavior and being a role model for younger students.
Q: How can parents communicate with children if something happens? Will smart watches that only allow for parent calls be allowed in school?A: This is not as simple as it seems. In addition to the distraction of any smart watch in classes, smart watches that call parents may be dangerous in a true emergency. Trying to contact parent during an emergency situation can be dangerous. The safest thing for students to do during an emergency is to pay attention to and follow the directions of their teacher (for example, if students need to be silent, calling a parent through a Gizo could cause noise). Smart watches may be kept in backpacks and turned off, but cannot be worn in school.
Q: Does AA monitor student emails?
A: We do not read all student emails, but we do have systems in place that look for key words and bring emails to our attention if those words are found. Parents can monitor student emails as well – talk to your student or teacher about how to hook in to your students email account.
Q: What about safety for students in the gym and at recess?
A: American Academy staff and students practice this with drills. We also practice and train staff and students on situational awareness. Students at recess during a Lockout (Secure Perimeter – danger is outside the building) will be brought inside the building as quickly as possible. Students in the gym or cafeteria during a Lockdown (danger is inside the building) situation will be led outside and away from the building (depending on the situation).