Dear Wilbanks Middle School Families,
As we navigate the school year, I want to take a moment to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. Ensuring a secure and supportive environment for every student is a responsibility we take very seriously.
Our Comprehensive Safety Measures
To maintain a secure atmosphere, here are some of the safety protocols we have in place. These include but are not limited to:
- Locked Exterior Doors: All exterior doors are locked and checked frequently to ensure they remain secure throughout the day.
- Visitor Screening: We have a robust system in place for screening visitors and parents, which includes a detailed check-in process.
- Surveillance: Our security cameras are monitored regularly to maintain a watchful eye on school grounds.
- School Resource Officer (SRO): An SRO is present on site to provide additional support and ensure a safe environment.
- Panic Buttons and Emergency Buttons: These are strategically placed to alert authorities swiftly in the event of an emergency.
- Trained Staff: All staff members are trained to handle various emergency situations, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.
- Mental Health and Counseling: We provide access to mental health resources and counseling services to support our students' emotional well-being.
- Threat Assessments: We use a comprehensive resource for any potential threat that is reported at our school.
However, our most impactful safety measure is our school culture. At Wilbanks, we strive to create a nurturing environment where students feel safe, valued, and connected. Our faculty and staff are committed to getting to know each student individually and providing the support they need to thrive.
Our “See Something, Say Something” motto underscores the importance of communication. We encourage our students to approach trusted adults whenever they need assistance or notice something that feels amiss. The strong relationships we build at our school make this approach highly effective, fostering an environment where students and parents work together to maintain safety.
Addressing Recent Social Media Concerns
Recently, there have been troubling incidents across Georgia involving students posting false threats on social media, causing unnecessary fear and disruption. Please be assured that any such posts we become aware of are immediately reported to the Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) thoroughly investigates every threat. We are committed to holding accountable those who misuse social media to instill fear.
At Wilbanks, we have addressed this issue with our students, emphasizing the serious consequences of such actions and encouraging better decision-making regarding social media use. We appreciate the support of our community in reporting any concerns directly to us rather than sharing them on social media, which can exacerbate the situation.
Gratitude and Commitment
I am proud of the supportive and resilient community we have here at Wilbanks Middle School and in the broader Habersham community. Your trust in us and collaboration in safeguarding our students are deeply valued.
Thank you for your continued support. We remain dedicated to making Wilbanks a safe, engaging, and enriching place for your children to learn and grow.
Warm regards,
Chris Chitwood
Principal
Wilbanks Middle School
