The district made a strategic investment through recent bond efforts to enhance student safety and school security. Completed initiatives include redesigning the main building entrances with two sets of secure vestibule doors (along with a door to the office) and providing staff with an enhanced visitor verification system and building lockdown capabilities. Locks that latch from the interior side of classroom doors have been added, and video surveillance cameras have been installed in schools and on buses. An updated districtwide telephone system, radio and public address (PA) system also ensure proper notification and warning during an emergency.

The district partners with the Rochester Police Department, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, and security consultants to review opportunities to enhance daily operating procedures for student safety and school security. Safety procedures include the following:

• All visitors must enter through the main entrance using the visitor verification system. Guests are required to show picture identification and sign in, documenting their name, time in/out and purpose of the visit. Staff, students and guests should never open a door for other visitors.
• All exterior doors are locked throughout the school day. If staff or a community member notices a door that has been propped open for any reason, they should close the door and report the incident to the front office immediately.
• All interior classroom doors remain locked at all times. (Note that an open door does not mean the door is unlocked.)
• All exits and hallways should provide a clear path to allow for a quick exit in case of an emergency. 
• All rooms in the district contain an easy-to-read standardized response protocol guide for quick reference and instruction.

School resource officers from the Rochester Police Department and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office are an important part of the school family and have a regular, familiar presence in RCS buildings and on school campuses. In addition to daily visits, parking lot and traffic monitoring, and participation in school activities, these trained law enforcement professionals also enrich the curriculum by providing age-appropriate discussions about seatbelt and bicycle safety, the use of 911, stranger danger, substance abuse, and what to do if a student sees, hears or experiences something that doesn’t seem right. Shield security consultants provide additional support at middle schools and high schools.

Throughout the school year, each school conducts state-mandated drills during both structured and unstructured times. Requirements include, at a minimum, three lockdown/shelter-in-place drills, five fire drills, and two tornado/severe weather drills. Each building also has an emergency response plan that outlines procedures for staff to follow in case of a crisis. The plan includes securing all students in a classroom, covering windows, turning off the lights and having students sit in a designated area away from the hallway and door. These drills help improve readiness and response to incidents. Detailed drill information for each school is located below. Each district building has an emergency “go kit” with essential emergency items, including first-aid supplies, flashlights and other important items.

Local law enforcement, security consultants and school resource officers provide RCS with guidance and training to keep students and staff safe. Regular professional training opportunities for multiple scenarios include medical emergencies, lockdown/shelter in place, aggressive intruder, fire/evacuation, natural disasters and weather-related emergencies. RCS uses the “run-hide-fight” protocol response for active shooter training, which aligns with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance.

In 2017, RCS made a commitment to ensure each school was designated as a MI HEARTSafe School. At that time, only 53 buildings in Oakland County received the MI HEARTSafe School designation, with 21 of those buildings being from RCS. 

With a continued commitment to wellness, Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital partnered with RCS in 2022 to provide free CPR/AED training (cardiopulmonary resuscitation/automated external defibrillator) for approximately 160 RCS staff members across the district. The training certifies members of critical incident teams through the American Heart Association for two years. Additional, updated training continues to renew. 

School staff have received training in the use of tourniquets, which aligns with the American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed® program. Kits are available in every RCS building. 

In August 2024, RCS teachers, paraeducators and ancillary staff participated in a professional development session led by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office training unit and school resource officers. RCS staff received important updates on school safety, intruder procedures and the new standard response protocols that are used across the district. 

Throughout the school year, school administrators and staff will continue to introduce and implement safety and security measures with students.

Each RCS school/building has an emergency operations plan that is revised annually to empower employees in an emergency situation to act quickly and knowledgeably. The plan represents collaboration between the school district, educational professionals, local first response agencies and emergency management officials. The plan is based on guidance provided by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan State Police, Oakland County and local public safety officials. Portions of the emergency operations plan are confidential even against Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to prevent theft, inadvertent access, unauthorized disclosure and potential security breaches.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk with their students on a regular basis about the importance of making good choices and sharing concerns if something doesn’t seem right. In case of an emergency, individuals should call 911. Families can also speak directly with their school principal, report information using the Talk to RCS feature on the district website or share anonymous tips using OK2SAY.