Campus Safety and Security

At Cedar Springs Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students, staff and community are our top priorities. One of the key ways we work to maintain a safe learning environment is through Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM).

What is BTAM?
BTAM is a structured process that helps schools identify, assess and respond to students or individuals who may pose a threat to themselves or others. Rather than waiting for a situation to escalate, BTAM emphasizes early identification and intervention, providing support and resources to prevent violence and ensure safety. The process involves trained school staff working with our School Resource Officers and law enforcement, mental health professionals and families to address concerning behaviors in a thoughtful and effective way.

Michigan Law Requirements
In Michigan, school districts are required by law to have a threat assessment plan in place by October 1, 2026. According to Michigan Public Act 551 of 2018 (MCL 380.1313), each school must:

• Establish a behavioral threat assessment team or protocol.

• Develop written policies and procedures for identifying and managing threatening or concerning behavior.

• Train staff on how to recognize, report and respond to potential threats.

• Work collaboratively with local law enforcement and mental health professionals when appropriate.

The law ensures that every district has a proactive plan to prevent violence, protect students and staff, and provide appropriate interventions before a situation escalates.

Our Commitment
Cedar Springs Public Schools has had a BTAM process in place for several years prior to the formal BTAM Law requirements. By identifying concerning behaviors early and responding effectively, we aim to create a safe, supportive environment where students can learn and thrive. Families and community members are important parts of this effort — awareness, communication and collaboration help keep our schools safe for everyone.

Additional Resources for Parents

A Parent's Guide to Understanding Threats

Parents' Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources for Students

A Student's Guide to Understanding Threats

Student's Guide: Questions to Keep in Mind

In the event of an emergency, we communicate using our messaging system via email/text for emergencies.  

We request parents do not call the school directly to keep our phone lines free as this is crucial during an emergency event.  

How we Communicate Emergencies, Delays, or Closings with You

• Broadcasted on local TV news stations (WoodTV8, Fox17, WZZM13)
• School sent email
• School sent text
• District Facebook Page
• District Website Homepage

How to Keep Your Information Updated

• The information we use to contact you is the information you provided at the time of enrollment.
• If you need to make updates to this information, follow the steps on the ‘Update Student Information’ page.

 
Opt-in to Receive Text Messages

• You can opt in to receive text messages by texting “Yes” to 79041 or 87569.

• The cell phone number you use must be in our system as your primary number. 
• Contact our registrar's office at 616-696-1204 x1919 if you need to verify what number you have listed.

Road conditions, visibility, extreme temperatures, and weather forecasts are checked by the transportation supervisor each day. Based on conditions and the data collected, the Superintendent makes the final determination to close, delay or operate as normal by 5:00 a.m.  
 
We also have safety policies in place for the occurrence of severe weather during school hours and after-school activities*. 
 
Communication on closings is broadcasted on local TV news stations (WoodTV8, Fox17, WZZM 13), by email, text, on our Cedar Springs District Facebook Page, and the homepage of our website. 

2 Hour Delay

• Buses run approx. 2-hours later
• No busing for KTC
• No busing for 1st session of KCTC
• No AM ECSE programs
• Administration Office Open
• Campus Kids Open (communication will be sent out if delayed)

Closure Due to Weather

• Administration Office Open
• No busing for KTC or KCTC programs
• Campus Kids Open (communication will be sent out if closed)

Severe Weather Watch

• The district will monitor the watch and follow warning procedures if needed
• Students will be dismissed as normal
• Weather conditions will be evaluated for walkers. If unsafe, students will be held at school and their parents notified

Severe Weather Warning 

• Students are taken to predetermined shelter areas until the warning is lifted
• If the warning continues through dismissal times, all students will remain in shelter areas until the warning is lifted
• Parents may pick up students during weather warnings
• Parents must sign out students
• Parents are unable to pick up other students without written consent

After-School Activities* and severe weather

• If a Tornado Watch or Warning is announced during school hours, all after-school and evening activities* will be Canceled
• An "All Clear" must be determined 2-hours before evening events for them to continue as scheduled

 
*Activities include all clubs, organizations, and extracurricular events held on campus

Schools are required throughout the state of Michigan to run a variety of safety drills. You can review a list of all the drills completed throughout our district by downloading the document below.

School Safety Drills Completed

Every day School safety matters.  Communicating with families and our community about our safety measures, from physical environment to mental health, allowing us to provide a safe, secure school environment, one where your child can learn and thrive. 

Download Safety Brochure

At Cedar Springs Public Schools, the safety and security of our students is always our top priority. A critical part of any emergency response is the organized and accountable reunification of students with their parents or guardians during a school crisis or emergency.

As part of our Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), we have developed comprehensive evacuation and reunification procedures for all our campuses. These plans have been thoroughly reviewed with our staff and practiced by both students and staff to ensure preparedness.

Parents and guardians play a vital role in the success of reunification efforts. To support the process, we encourage families to review the steps of the reunification plan and discuss them with their students. Preparing in advance can help reduce anxiety and ensure the process runs smoothly in high-stress situations.

Our district follows the Kent ISD Reunification Process, and we encourage you to visit their website for more detailed information about the procedures.

Kent ISD Reunification Process

Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of all students in any emergency.