Safety Updates: Technology & Transportation

Dear CCS Families and Staff,

I have a few important safety updates as we wrap up the last few weeks of school. Please take a moment to review the technology and transportation changes we are implementing. 

Technology

As I mentioned in the safety update last month, the district is increasing our scope with Gaggle. This change will take effect on June 1. Students will not notice any changes in how they log in or utilize their device or Google Suite.

As a reminder, Gaggle is a safety management solution that monitors content students produce through their school-issued G-suite accounts to help us identify those needing help. 

Gaggle uses a powerful combination of technology and human intelligence to review students’ use of online tools and provide real-time analysis of potentially concerning behavior or content. Alerts are generated if a student shows signs of self-harm, depression, thoughts of suicide, substance abuse, cyberbullying, credible threats of violence against others, or other harmful situations. With Gaggle, we are better equipped to proactively identify struggling students, provide support where needed, and foster a safer school environment.

We have spent several months responding to Gaggle alerts. After analyzing the data, we have decided to add a new feature, Gaggle Afterhours. This service adds another layer to the review process and further identifies the level of concern with student content after school hours and on weekends. Now, if the content poses an immediate need, Gaggle will contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) directly. If the content raises concern but is not an emergency, it will be logged for district administration to address the next school day. 

Our data analysis also provided evidence that Gaggle is a more effective safety tool for the district. Therefore, CCS will no longer need to utilize Guardian Beacon after June.

Transportation

In March, following Policy 7440.01, the Board of Education approved the purchase of surveillance cameras for our entire bus fleet.

The camera installation process has begun. The first phase is complete, with cameras installed on two 77-passenger general education buses. For the remainder of the school year, we will pilot the cameras to establish district best practices, train staff, and test camera endurance.

Over the summer, the district will complete the installation project, ensuring it is complete before the 2023-2024 school year starts. 

Cameras are currently installed in the following buses:

Bus 22-general education bus

Bus 23-general education bus

Ensuring the safety of our students and staff will always be at the forefront of everything we do at CCS. We will continue to share updates on new programs, training, equipment, and services. Our partnership with OCSO and the support of our students, staff, parents, and community members enhance all of these changes. I am genuinely grateful for all you do to ensure the safety of our schools.

Sincerely,

Dr. Shawn Ryan

About Clarkston Community Schools: Clarkston is a highly regarded school district with an enrollment of over 6,500 students. We have seven elementary schools (K-5), one middle school serving grades 6-7, one junior high for grades 8-9, and Clarkston High School, which serves students in grades 10-12. We also have a virtual academy, an Early Childhood Center serving children ages 3-5, and an alternative high school/community education facility. Clarkston Community Schools students are well-prepared for a future that excites them, and believe that they can achieve their dreams. The mission of Clarkston Community Schools is to create a learning environment where students, staff, and families are challenged, healthy, engaged, safe, and supported.

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