Partnering for Safety: PGCPS Stands United

Dear PGCPS Community,

In light of recent tragedies that have claimed the lives of students and staff in Georgia and right here in Maryland, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We know that concerns about school safety are heightened across the nation, including within our own community.

Please know that your children’s safety remains our highest priority every day. 

Maintaining safe learning environments truly takes a village, and we are grateful for your partnerships in this effort. From ensuring students use clear backpacks to your patience as they enter buildings through security enhancement technology, your cooperation is invaluable.

This year, we have continued safety measures implemented last school year, including clear backpacks for middle and high school students and advanced security technology in all high schools and some middle schools. I’m pleased to share that these efforts have led to a significant reduction in weapons and contraband.

We are also upgrading our alarm and surveillance systems and enhancing our threat assessment response with county law enforcement partners. Additionally, we’re implementing an internal tracking and school notification system to ensure a swift and coordinated response in emergencies.

To maintain preparedness, we conduct quarterly safety drills covering scenarios like active shooters, lockdowns, bus evacuations, fires and severe weather across all schools and offices.

Please remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or threats, whether in school or on social media. Reports can be made anonymously through the Maryland Safe Schools Tip Line and/or directly to school staff and police.

Beyond school grounds, we are committed to pedestrian safety. We’ve added Safe Passage Coordinators who work with the County crossing guard unit and community partners to ensure students travel safely to and from school.

Please be assured that we will continue to evaluate our security measures, adopt best practices and make ongoing improvements to ensure the safety of our students and staff. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Sincerely,

Millard House II

Superintendent