November 13, 2025
School Safety & Mental Health
At Flat Rock Community Schools, student safety is our top priority. Our commitment to providing a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment guides everything we do—every day, in every building, for every student. Whether or not additional funding is available, our dedication to safety remains unwavering.
We have built strong systems, protocols, and partnerships to support student safety, and this work continues to evolve. Ensuring the well-being of students and staff remains at the heart of our mission. We understand that a safe learning environment forms the foundation for academic success, emotional well-being, and strong community trust.
That is why Flat Rock Community Schools continues to invest in safety measures, preparedness, and a culture of care.
Focus Areas:
• Safety & Security
• Mental Health & Student Support
Our Commitment to Safety
At Flat Rock Community Schools, the safety of students and staff always comes first. We believe students learn best—and staff perform at their best—when they feel safe in their school environment.
Our district continues to invest in strong security practices, facility enhancements, and trained personnel to ensure that our schools remain safe, welcoming places to learn and grow.
Partnership with Law Enforcement
Flat Rock Community Schools collaborates closely with the Flat Rock Police Department to support safe school environments. Our School Resource Officer serves as a trusted partner, mentor, and daily presence in our buildings. This partnership helps strengthen relationships, build trust, and ensure readiness and visibility throughout the school day.
Staff Safety and Safety Drills
All Flat Rock Community Schools employees work closely with district leadership and school building teams each day to promote and support school safety initiatives. Staff members monitor hallways and common areas, greet students, support supervision, and help reinforce a safe and positive school environment. Safety is a shared responsibility across our district, and these team members play a vital role in ensuring students feel supported and secure.
At Flat Rock Community Schools we emphasize the importance of safety drills to outline the specific protocols for Tornado, Fire, ALICE, and Reunification. These procedures are critical in ensuring the safety and preparedness of everyone involved.
• Tornado Drills - Tornado drills are conducted to prepare for severe weather events. During these drills, individuals should move to designated safe areas, such as interior rooms or hallways away from windows. Everyone should remain in a low, protected position until it is deemed safe to resume normal activities.
• Fire Drills - Fire drills are essential for practicing evacuation procedures in case of a fire emergency. All individuals should promptly exit the building using the nearest safe exit and proceed to the designated assembly area. It is crucial to remain calm and follow all instructions during these drills.
• ALICE Drills - ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) drills are designed to prepare for active threat situations. These drills focus on empowering individuals to make informed decisions based on real-time circumstances, ensuring their safety and the safety of others.
• Reunification Drills - Reunification drills ensure that in the event of an emergency requiring evacuation or relocation, there is a clear process for reuniting individuals with their families or designated contacts. These drills involve practicing communication protocols and the orderly reunification process.
Regularly practicing these drills helps to build confidence and ensures that everyone knows how to respond effectively in an emergency.
Technology & Infrastructure
Flat Rock Community Schools utilizes advanced safety tools designed to enhance school security, including: • High-resolution interior and exterior security cameras
• Secure building entry vestibules and controlled access points
• Enhanced PA and communication systems
• The Lockout Company Smartboot
• Color-coded building maps
• AEDs, emergency medical equipment, and response procedures across all facilities These systems support preparedness and rapid response while allowing students and staff to focus on learning.
Visitor Management
Safety begins at the door. Flat Rock Community Schools uses a secure visitor check-in system that requires visitors to provide identification before entering the building. This helps maintain accountability and peace of mind while preserving a welcoming school environment.
Interior & Exterior Safety Signage
Flat Rock Community Schools uses standardized safety signage and building mapping systems designed to support emergency response. These tools assist school staff and first responders in navigating buildings quickly and accurately, helping to ensure timely and coordinated action when needed.
Digital Safety
Safety at Flat Rock Community Schools extends into the digital environment. The district uses internet filtering and student monitoring systems to encourage safe online engagement and to identify situations where students may need additional support. These tools help protect students while also promoting healthy, responsible digital citizenship.
Athletic Safety
Flat Rock Community Schools is committed to the safety and well-being of student-athletes. The district’s athletic staff is trained in CPR, First Aid, AED use, and emergency response procedures. Our coaches and athletic personnel work to ensure that every student can participate safely and confidently.
Health & Emergency Readiness
Flat Rock Community Schools prioritizes medical readiness and emergency response training. Each school has a Health Aide and staff members across the district are trained in CPR, First Aid, and emergency response procedures. This proactive readiness ensures that applicable staff are prepared to respond quickly during urgent situations.
Mental Health & Student Support
Safety includes emotional and mental well-being. Flat Rock Community Schools provides access to school social workers, counselors, and psychologists who support students through preventive, developmental, and responsive services.
The district partners with community-based mental health organizations to increase access to services for students and families. Our mental health professionals help students build resilience, develop social-emotional skills, and feel supported every day. You can find information about our available mental health supports on our website at www.flatrockschools.org/page/community-outreach-resources
Community Partnerships & Preparedness
School safety is a shared responsibility. Flat Rock Community Schools collaborates with local law enforcement, first responders, safety organizations, and mental health service providers to support training, planning, and coordinated emergency readiness.
Your Partner in Education,
Andrew Brodie Ed.S.
Superintendent