At Primer, student safety and well-being are our top priorities and non-negotiable. We understand that families need to feel confident not only in our academic approach, but also in our commitment to physical safety and emotional wellbeing. Here's what you can count on at every Primer campus:

1. Physical Security Measures

• All external doors are locked during school hours.
• Cameras are installed at every main entrance.
• Outdoor play spaces are fully gated.
• Students are never outside without adult supervision.

2. Emergency Preparedness

Our policies are regularly reviewed, updated, and communicated to students, staff, and parents. Everyone involved knows their roles and responsibilities, ensuring a collective effort towards a secure environment.

• Reporting emergencies: Emergency telephone numbers are prominently displayed with clear instructions for requesting emergency assistance during critical moments.
• Fire safety: Responsibilities during fire alarms, evacuation plans, and recall signals are communicated with each Microschool.
• Weather-related emergencies: Pre-storm preparations and post-storm procedures for hurricanes ensure the safety of the school site. Protective actions during lightning storms are clearly defined, guiding staff and students on staying safe during adverse weather conditions.
• Food-borne illnesses: Procedures for handling suspected food-borne illnesses are in place, involving immediate calls to emergency services, poison information centers, and health departments.
• Active shooter or dangerous intruder scenarios: We have detailed lockdown procedures, communication strategies, and evacuation plans, ensuring a coordinated response to potential threats.

3. Controlled Access and Visitor Management

We prioritize controlled access to our premises, employing secured entry systems, cameras at every main entrance, and thorough visitor screening. All non-Primer personnel on-site have undergone background checks and vetting to ensure a secure environment for our students.

4. Staff Training

Our faculty and staff undergo comprehensive training in emergency preparedness, crisis management, and the recognition of potential threats. In addition, every team member is required to renew their first aid and CPR certification annually.

5. Mental Health Support

Recognizing the importance of mental health, we have dedicated educators available to foster a safe and supportive environment. They are equipped to identify potential warning signs and provide intervention or referral services as needed.

6. Partnerships with Local Authorities

Open lines of communication and collaboration with local law enforcement agencies are maintained to establish a strong partnership. This ensures timely response and support in case of emergencies.

7. Active Communication Channels

Efficient channels of communication are established for students, parents, and staff to report security concerns or suspicious activities. An open and transparent communication culture helps address potential threats promptly.

Primer's Culture of Safety and Care

Karen Muston, a certified school counselor and member of the American School Counselor Association, wrote in her article on the well being of students:

“An unsafe learning environment—even if it is just a perception of being unsafe—can have a profound impact on a student's overall well-being and their ability to be successful in school. Students who do not feel safe at school—either emotionally or physically—are more distracted and less successful than their peers.”

Every student at Primer is known and loved. The first step to knowing a child is for them to feel safe. We believe that learning happens when kids are comfortable taking risks. And for a child to feel comfortable taking a risk, they must feel safe. Our educators create that environment by building strong, supportive relationships with every student. We coach students into working hard and learning, even when it’s uncomfortable. But they are willing to try and fail because they know their Primer Leader knows them, cares about them, and will be there to support them through challenges.