Creating A Safe Environment

Dear Families:

St. Michael Catholic School is truly blessed with parents who care deeply about their children, our school and all its students. We are also blessed with a dedicated teaching and administrative staff equally committed to making each student succeed. As part of our commitment to “Excellence in Education” school safety the safety of our students continues to be of utmost importance. St. Michael Catholic School is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all our students.  

Here are a few of the safety measures we currently have in place:

·       Front door buzzer limits access into the building.  Receptionist/staff question visitors they do not recognize before allowing them to enter.  All other entry doors are locked during the school day to eliminate unauthorized access to the school. 

·       Emergency/Evacuation Plans are in place that guides staff in responding to emergencies.  Catholic Mutual Group assists in development and monitors implementation of these plans.  SMCS designates a crisis management team; develops evacuation, shelter-in-place, lockdown, and hurricane procedures; investigates appropriate evacuation sites; offers provisions for training personnel and updating the plans; and secures resources.  This plan is updated yearly.

·       School Safety Drills are held at least monthly.  These drills include fire, tornado (severe storm), bomb, and lockdown.  Faculty/Staff follow the established procedures for student movement and accountability. 

·       Security Cameras monitor entrances and hallways 24 hours/7 days a week and can be accessed by church and school personnel via the web.

·       Virtus – Protecting God’s Children is a Diocese of Charleston sponsored program that offers initial and continual training on matters of child protection.  Everyone who regularly interacts with our children must receive this training and are encouraged to keep abreast of current child protection issues. 

·       Community support from Horry County police, Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District, and Horry County Schools share expertise and assist the crisis management team in updating SMCS emergency and evacuation plans. 

·       ADT Security Systems monitors our facility 24 hours a day.  First responders are notified immediately if an emergency situation develops.

·       School nurse is available 5 hours each school day administering first aid and medications that are required to be given during the school day.  She also coordinates training sessions for the staff.

·       IRIS – Immediate Response Information System has been initiated to deliver routine messages as well as emergency messages via phone and email.  This communication tool should be fully deployed by the end of February and will enable SMCS to communicate directly and quickly with everyone in our identified community.

Presently, in the event of an emergency, the school will publicize information for parents on our web site at, www.saintmichaelsc.org and send out an email alert summarizing the emergency. Click on the “alert” button to gain instant access to addition information. Tune into WPDE or WBTW for any weather related emergency. If notified of an emergency at your child’s school, do not go to the school unless the notification instructs you to do so. If you go to the school when not instructed to, you may put your child, yourself, or others at risk.

To help keep your family safe, I encourage you learn and prepare for emergencies that might happen in the community or your home. Excellent resources are available at www.redcross.org; and www.nngov.com/emergency-management.

Please be assured that we take many other precautions to help ensure the safety of our students. Together with the Diocese, School Board and administrative staff,  we evaluate these policies routinely looking for ways to improve. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

May God continue to bless you and your families as we head into this New Year. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely, 

Linda Cherry, Principal