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School Safety & Security

Safety is a top priority at Clarkston Community Schools. All district staff have been trained in ALICE protocols and Stop the Bleed procedures.

Our district's School Safety Task Force looks at school safety from a 360-degree standpoint, and is actively identifying opportunities to enhance our protocols and procedures everyday.

For more information about student and staff safety training at Clarkston Community Schools, please contact Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services John Lucido at 248.623.5419.

988 suicide and crisis line - text or call 988

CCS Emergency  Hotline: 248.623.5480

Non-Emergency School Safety Tip Line: 248.494.7121

ALICE logo

 

In order to maintain a safe environment for teaching and learning, Clarkston Community School has partnered with The ALICE Training Institute to prepare staff and students in the event that an armed intruder enters one of our buildings with the intent of doing harm. ALICE is a federally endorsed safety protocol that stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate.

The strategies do not need to be completed in order and should not be considered a checklist. Staff and students will rely on the information at hand and their own judgment to determine the safest course of action.

ALICE DETAILS

Be SMART - Gun Safety and Secure Gun Storage

As educators, we are committed to creating safe environments for children, advocating for their needs, and working alongside others who prioritize their health and well-being. That’s why we are proud to support the Be SMART secure gun storage campaign.

Studies of school-based gun violence across decades all point to the same significant point of intervention—addressing students' unauthorized access to guns in the home. Firearm-related injuries and deaths have become a national public health crisis and are the leading cause of death among children in the United States—yet these tragedies are preventable. Storing firearms securely is one of the most effective ways to protect children, especially since an estimated 4.6 million kids live in homes with unsecured guns. Prevention saves lives!

The Be SMART campaign was launched in 2015 to promote responsible gun ownership in order to reduce child gun deaths. Whether you’re a gun owner or you know someone who owns a gun, there is a role for everyone in the conversation around secure gun storage. Be SMART is a framework that parents, caretakers, and community leaders can follow to help keep their communities safe. Ultimately, you can help prevent kids from accessing firearms by storing them securely and encouraging others to do the same. Because children deserve to feel safe, no matter where they are.

Infographic about gun incidents in children

Safe Storage Options

Securing guns is essential to home and community safety. 

Everyone, from parents to community leaders, wants to keep children and teens safe. But kids are naturally curious, and an unsecured gun can lead to tragedy—whether it's a child finding a firearm and injuring (or worse) themselves (intentionally or unintentionally), or someone stealing it and using it to commit a crime. That’s why Be SMART emphasizes secure storage as a simple step to protect families and communities.

A SMART adult makes sure all guns are stored securely both at home and in vehicles. This means they are stored unloaded, locked, and if possible, kept separate from ammunition when not in use - so that they are inaccessible to kids. Safe storage options are widely available, affordable, and effective. From lockboxes to gun safes, there is an option to suit everyone's needs. 

Safe Storage Options

Keeping our schools safe: Beth Clark, Director of Safety and Security

Beth Clark serves as the Director of Safety and Security for the Clarkston Community School District. She brings 26 years of experience with the Michigan State Police, where she developed a strong foundation in public safety, crisis response, and community engagement.

In her role with the district, Clark is dedicated to creating a secure and supportive environment for students, staff, and families. Her approach emphasizes proactive safety measures, relationship-building, and collaboration with school personnel to ensure that every member of the school community feels safe, valued, and empowered.

Clark’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to fostering a school culture where educational excellence and security work hand in hand.

Headshot of Beth Clark, Director of Safety and Security

 

Enhancing Safety with School Resource Officers

In partnership with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, we have contracted four dedicated School Resource Officers (SROs) to enhance our safety measures across our schools.

These officers will be a visible and supportive presence in our schools, providing not only security but also fostering positive relationships with our students and staff. Their roles will include:

  • Building Relationships: Engaging with students and staff to create a positive and supportive school environment.
  • Enhancing Safety: Being vigilant and proactive in maintaining a secure school environment and addressing any safety concerns that may arise.
  • Providing Education: Offering educational programs and resources on safety, law enforcement, and crime prevention.

Dep. John Stolarksi

Deputy Stolarski has proudly served with the Sheriff’s Office for 10 years, beginning his career with the county in 2015. After spending seven years working in the jail, he attended the police academy in the fall of 2022 and went on to serve two and a half years on the midnight shift before joining the high school. Outside of work, Deputy Stolarski is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys spending his free time on the golf course, out on the lake, or watching football.

Dep. Kelly Henry

Deputy Henry has served with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for nine years and is currently in her first year as a School Resource Officer, covering multiple elementary schools and Renaissance High School. Known for her dedication to student safety, she frequently monitors school bus routes to ensure drivers obey traffic laws, helping to protect students during their daily commutes. Raised on a farm, Deputy Henry brings a strong work ethic to her role. She is passionate about law enforcement, motivated by a genuine desire to help others. A little fun fact about her, she also loves washing and detailing her vehicles - keeping them spotless is her specialty!  

Kelly Henry Security Resource Officer

AE - BLE - CE - IE - PKE - SPE - RHS
KGHenry@clarkston.k12.mi.us
HenryK@oakgov.com

Dep. Alex Kajy

Deputy Alex Kajy serves as the School Resource Officer at Clarkston Junior High School, where he is focused on building positive relationships and supporting student safety. His passion for law enforcement began at a young age and was further shaped by his experience in the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Cadet Unit during college. That hands-on experience confirmed his desire to make an impact through public service and deepened his understanding of community policing. He's always wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.Off duty, Deputy Kajy enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing, exploring new cities, and is a self-proclaimed "foodie" who enjoys trying different cuisines.

Dep. Dayna Waskom

Deputy Waskom serves as the School Resource Officer at Sashabaw Middle School and North Sashabaw Elementary. She began her law enforcement career in 2010 with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office as a Mounted Deputy and joined Clarkston Community Schools as an SRO in 2022. She is often accompanied by her  beloved partner, her four-legged comfort K9, Deputy Wildcat. Inspired by her father’s career, Deputy Waskom is passionate about working with kids and aims to create positive, lasting memories for students. Outside of work, she enjoys life on the farm with her husband, their newborn son, and a large collection of animals, while also valuing family time spent traveling, grilling, and relaxing by the pool.

School Safety News

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