Enhancing School Safety

This message was sent to all AHS students, parents, and staff on 10/20/23. We are sharing publicly with our school families and community.

We are writing to update you on the proactive steps we are taking to address recent incidents of violence within our school community. This week, Ames High School leaders, members of our District Office staff, and the Superintendent’s office have actively engaged in developing solutions to provide a secure learning environment for everyone. The safety and well-being of our students is paramount. 

In reviewing our processes, we identified several proactive strategies to maintain student safety and will continue building on these strengths. We evaluated the number of personnel supervising during lunch periods; reviewed incident data to help determine specific times and areas of concern, and strategically assigned staff to these areas for preventive measures; plan to host student meetings to level set regarding behavior expectations and our commitment to maintaining a safe school community. The safety of our students and staff is our priority, and we are committed to supporting every student; however, we plan to ensure policy-aligned disciplinary action is taken when violations occur. 

Keeping our schools safe is a joint effort, and we need your help. To build upon our current work, we would like to introduce P3 Campus, an anonymous reporting tool designed to empower students, parents, staff, and the community to report their concerns regarding safety, bullying, or other issues that could impact our school community. P3 Campus allows individuals to share information confidentially, helping local authorities and school officials respond swiftly and effectively.

Here are the key features of this new anonymous reporting tool:

Confidentiality: Reports made through the tool are completely anonymous. We encourage students, parents, and staff to use this platform to report concerns without fear of retaliation.

Easily Accessible: When you or your student have a concern, you can go to P3Campus.com on your computer, tablet, or laptop – or download the free P3 Campus mobile app – and make an anonymous report in less than five minutes. The reporting tool is easy to use and accessible via our school website. It provides a way to submit concerns 24/7.

24/7 Monitoring: Reports are monitored 24/7, allowing us to investigate and address concerns promptly. Reports will be addressed by a trained team of school and law enforcement officials.

Empowering Our Community: Report bullying, suicide concerns, depression, sexting, stealing, threats, cutting, abuse, dating and domestic violence, fights, drugs, alcohol, weapons, or other dangerous situations that threaten their safety or the safety of others. Promoting a culture of openness and accountability empowers our entire school community to actively contribute to a safer environment. We continue to educate our students about conflict resolution, empathy, and understanding, fostering an atmosphere of respect and kindness. 

This reporting tool is one of many steps in our comprehensive approach to school safety. In the coming weeks, you will hear about further measures as we implement widespread change within our school. In an upcoming seminar, students will discuss school safety and this new reporting tool. Attendance is required. Students will receive further information through StudentSquare and the daily announcements. 

We are asking our entire school community to use this new tool. We cannot stress enough the importance of “if you see something, say something.” Together, we can create an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and supported. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Julious Lawson
Superintendent

Dr. Paul Numedahl
Principal

Resources

Watch the video to learn more about P3 Campus.

Download the app – App Store, Google Play Store

Important Message from Dr. Numedahl (10/18/23)

I am writing to you today regarding a concern that demands immediate attention. Recently, fights have seriously disrupted our learning environment and threatened the safety of our students and staff. This kind of behavior is intolerable. I cannot express strongly enough how deeply disturbed I am by these actions.

Let me be unmistakably clear: violence of any kind will not be tolerated within our school. Our school is meant to be a safe haven for learning where students can grow intellectually and emotionally. These recent incidents not only jeopardize the safety of our students and staff but also erode the very foundation upon which our school stands.

I want every school community member to understand this situation’s gravity. Engaging in fights not only endangers the physical well-being of those involved but also undermines the respectful and conducive learning environment we strive to maintain. It tarnishes our school’s reputation and disrespects the hard work of those dedicated to providing a positive educational experience.

The AHS administrative team is working closely with district leadership and partnering community agencies to fully enforce policies designed to keep all school community members safe. Violations will be immediately addressed and consequenced accordingly. 

To our parents and guardians, I urge you to discuss the seriousness of this matter with your students. Emphasize the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful means and reinforce the values of respect and empathy. We need your support in instilling these values at home so they are carried into our school environment. If your student is struggling with these incidents, please have them reach out to a teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult in our school system.

To our teachers and staff, I know these incidents impact you. You chose education to shape young minds, not to confront such alarming challenges. Your dedication and vigilance are crucial. Together, we must stand firm against violence, reinforcing the values of respect and empathy within our school. 

I sincerely hope we can end this alarming trend and restore our school to the protective and nurturing environment it is meant to be. Let us stand together against violence and reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe and respectful Ames High.

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul Numedahl
Ames High Principal