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Prevention

PREVENTION superimposed over a picture of a School Resource Officer in front of his police vehicle

Visitor Safety Protocols 

All schools are closed campuses, meaning that they are not open to the public. Visitors must follow appropriate check-in procedures in the school office. All visitors must present a form of identification and have a reason for visiting the campus. Parents, please refer to the Parent Handbook for more information on campus visits. Closed campuses are supported by perimeter fencing.  

school resource officers

School Resource Officers (SROs) are sworn law enforcement officers assigned to Manteca Unified School District through partnerships with city agencies. They are trained to prevent crises, respond to emergencies, and foster positive relationships with students. The SRO program emphasizes education and mentorship, helping students understand law enforcement’s role in the community. SROs also collaborate with district leaders to enhance safety protocols. 

Picture of a School Resource Officer smiling standing with 6 children at a school.

School Site Assistants (SSAs)

Also known as yard supervisors, SSAs are vital for maintaining a safe and supportive campus environment. They monitor school grounds, assist with crossing guard duties, and supervise recess, fostering student safety and well-being. Their vigilant presence allows them to quickly identify and address issues, promptly notifying the administration when necessary.  

Picture of a yard duty hugging a school aged child.

Contraband Detection Services

This service utilizes experts and highly trained canines, or dogs, to inspect all school campuses throughout the year to help deter prohibited items from entering school grounds. The dogs are trained to detect the scent of items such as gunpowder, drugs, and alcohol, whether present or past. Inspections are unannounced and occur in common areas such as classrooms, locker areas, parking lots, and around campus. 

Health Services 

Our Health Services Department, comprised of registered and procedural nurses, plays a vital role in site safety and student well-being. The Health Services team proactively addresses common illnesses and mental health challenges, offering resources for suicide prevention and substance use awareness. They also provide guidance on immunization requirements, health forms for medications, and activity restrictions, ensuring every student has the necessary resources for success.  

A picture of nine nurses. four female nurses are sitting down in the first row and there are five nurses standing up behind them in the second row.

Modernization of school Facilities 

Investing in modern facilities enhances safety and fosters a positive learning environment. Each school’s modernization plan is tailored to its specific safety needs. While every modernization includes state-of-the-art fire alarm systems and technology, upgraded HVAC units for improved air quality, and enhanced security infrastructure, renovations to building configurations are also considered — such as creating secure entry points and better visibility in hallways and open spaces. Classroom doors also receive new hardware to keep doors locked during the school day as part of our safety protocols, ensuring controlled access to our campuses. 

Cameras

Every school campus is equipped with surveillance cameras to enhance situational awareness and streamline response times. By monitoring key areas, these cameras help deter harmful behavior such as bullying, vandalism, or unauthorized entry, reducing the likelihood of incidents on school grounds. They also provide real time monitoring and support evidence collection.  

online safety & social media

Supporting your child’s safe use of smartphones and social media is crucial in today’s digital world. Here are some helpful tips and resources to guide you in navigating phone usage and ensuring online safety.

Parental Controls Overview for Smartphones 

  • Smartphones have built-in parental controls to help set boundaries for usage: 
    • Apple Devices (iPhone and iPad): 
      • Screen Time: Track usage, set limits, and schedule downtime. 
      • Content Restrictions: Limit explicit content and control app permissions. 
      • Family Sharing: Approve app requests and monitor activity. Learn more on Apple’s support page. 
    • Google Family Link (Android Devices): 
      • Screen Time Limits: Set daily usage limits for apps. 
      • App Management: Approve or block downloads and receive installation alerts. 
      • Location Tracking: Monitor your child’s location. Visit Google Family Link for details. 

 

Social Media Safety Tips 

  • Staying informed about your child's social media use is essential for their safety. Each platform provides tools to help you monitor and manage their online activities: 
    • TikTok: 
    • Snapchat: 
    • Instagram: 
      • Account Privacy: Keep the profile private to restrict visibility. 
      • Sensitive Content Control: Use filters to limit harmful content. 
      • By implementing these practices, you can help your child build a healthy relationship with technology while ensuring their safety online. 
      • Find detailed tips in the Parents' Ultimate Guide to Instagram - Common Sense Media (updated 01-12-2024)

Red Ribbon Week

Annually, the Board of Education designates a week known as Red Ribbon Week to raise drug awareness and drug use prevention. It is a great opportunity for parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about the dangers of drug use. MUSD provides resources tailored for different age groups, helping you discuss the risks and protective factors related to substance use. Visit our Red Ribbon Week page to explore tips and conversation starters for each grade level to support your child in making safe and healthy choices. 

How you can support prevention efforts at home

How you can support prevention efforts at home:

“Think before you post”

Encourage your child to think before posting or reposting online. Discuss the serious implications of sharing threats, even if they’re passing them along, as it can delay police investigations and lead to disciplinary or legal consequences. Open conversations about these topics help keep your child safe and promote responsible online behavior. 

Report safety concerns

Parents and students are encouraged to report any safety concerns or suspicious activity to school administration or local law enforcement. Timely reporting is essential for a quick response and helps keep our school community safe. By sharing information through the proper channels and avoiding unverified details, we can all contribute to a safe school environment.

picture of a phone with social media applications on it including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.