NVHS AMS4 Safety Plan SY2022-23

October 7

INTRODUCTION: BASIC INFORMATION

School Contact Information

New Visions Charter High School for Advanced Math & Science IV 156-10 Baisley Boulevard

Jamaica, NY 11434

Main Office Telephone: (718) 525-2041

Main Office Fax: (718) 525 -2636

Principal: Claubentz Dieujuste

Email: cdieujuste30@charter.newvisions.org Room #: 292

Cell #: (646)866-8815

ADSO: Claudia V. Aubourg

Email: caubourg27@charter.newvisions.org Room #: B11

Cell #: (347) 351-0572

Total Number of Students Enrolled: 429

Total Number of School Personnel Employed: 63

Introduction

New Visions Charter High School for Advanced Math & Science IV, 84Q320 (AMS IV) takes every precaution to ensure the safety of its students and staff. AMS IV considers emergencies and violent incidents very serious occurrences and treats these events expeditiously. The AMS IV School Safety Plan is designed to address the needs of its students, the school, the campus and its urban location and is aligned to the safety procedures outlined in the August Martin Campus Safety Plan (ATTACHMENT A)

Our goals in creating and implementing our AMS IV School Safety Plan are:

to create a safe atmosphere and complementary set of practices that prevent violence or unsafe conditions,
to create/implement a plan that will minimize the effects of serious violent incidents and emergencies,
to have the capacity to implement an effective response plan for all predictable safety concern situations, and

SAFETY PLAN NVCHS for AMS IV 2022 - 2023

Claubentz Dieujuste, Principal

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to produce a document that can be used as a basis for informing and training all school constituencies in regard to keeping our school safe.

Building Information

AMS IV is located at 156 Baisley Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11434. AMS IV shares space with:

August Martin High School (27Q400) - 3rd Floor
Voyages Prep (27Q261) - 2nd Floor
Alternative Learning Center (88Q995) - Basement
Pathways to Graduation (P2G) - Basement
Queens Transition Center (75Q752) - 1st Floor
ReStart Academy - 2nd Floor

AMS IV uses select classrooms in the building on the 2nd, 1st and basement floors. We all have individual access to the cafeterias in the basement, gymnasium, auditorium and library on the first floor.

SAFETY PLAN NVCHS for AMS IV 2022 - 2023

Claubentz Dieujuste, Principal

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SECTION I: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND PLANNING GUIDELINES

Purpose

The AMS IV School Safety Plan was developed pursuant to Education Law §2801-a and 8 NYCRR §155.17. As charter schools are also school districts (LEAs) in and of themselves, the AMS IV District-wide Safety Plan and the Building-level Emergency Response Plan is one in the same document (all required elements for both plans are included in this single document).

The Charter School Safety Plan addresses a broad range of major emergencies. The objective of the plan is to:

Protect the safety and welfare of students, employees and staff;
Provide for a safe and coordinated response to emergencies;
Protect the School’s facilities and properties; and
Enable the School to restore normal conditions with minimal confusion in the shortest time possible.

Identification of AMS IV School Safety Team

The AMS IV School Safety Team, charged with developing and ensuring the effective implementation of the AMS IV School Safety (SAVE) Plan is:
Claubentz Dieujuste, Principal
Claudia Aubourg, Associate Director of School Operations
Ana Cruz, Assistant Principal - Culture & Climate
Deron Gurcharan, Associate Director of Business Operations

See ATTACHMENT B for full contact information of the AMS IV School Safety Team.

In addition to the AMS IV Schools Safety Team, each of the schools on the campus has a Chain of Command and an Emergency Response Team of their own.

Concept of Operations

The Associate Director of School Operations (ADSO), or designee, should adhere to the following protocol in the event of protective action:
Take control once informed of emergency situation;
Gather information and make appropriate decisions;
Order evacuation if necessary;
Contact appropriate law enforcement authorities as necessary;
Turn control of emergency situations over to law enforcement as required;

SAFETY PLAN

NVCHS for AMS IV 2022 - 2023

Claubentz Dieujuste, Principal

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Test the emergency response procedures on an annual basis; and,
- Meet with local government officials to seek advice and assistance in the analysis of the effectiveness and revision process of the AMS IV Safety Plan from year to year.

In the event an emergency occurs at AMS IV, the ADSO will gather the AMS IV School Safety Team to formulate an appropriate plan of action following the procedures outlined in this document for confronting and rectifying specific emergency situations. The ADSO is recognized as first in command.

The AMS IV School Safety Team will gather information, and coordinate the response effort and communicate with students, staff and community. Staff members who are not members of the Chain of Command and/or the School Safety Team will supervise students. As necessary, the AMS IV Board of Trustees and/or local emergency officials will also be notified.

The ADSO may declare a school emergency and implement a plan of action to address an emergency

situation. In the event of an AMS IV school specific incident, the AMS IV Principal Office will become the Command Center and the Chain of Command shall report directly to the Command Center. The ADSO shall remain as first command until local law enforcement of emergency response personnel are on the scene and take command of the situation.

If a crime has been committed, the AMS IV ADSO is responsible for crime scene security until relieved by law enforcement officials. No items shall be moved, cleaned or altered without prior approval from the appropriate law enforcement agency. However, said security should in no way preclude the rescue and aid of injured persons.

Depending on the magnitude of the emergency, existing borough, city and state resources may be called upon for assistance using existing protocols.

All communication is to be coordinated with the ADSO via the school’s main number (718) 525-2041.

After relinquishing command, the ADSO, or designee, may be asked to serve in a support role as part of a Unified Incident Command, if established, by the local emergency response agency.

Plan Development, Review and Public Comment

The AMS IV Principal appoints a Building-level School Safety Team and charges it with the development of the AMS IV School Safety Plan following District-wide Safety Plan guidelines distributed by NYSED, and in consultation with existing schools with high quality School Safety Plans. The plan is developed through a series of meetings attended by representatives of our various constituencies: Administration, Faculty, Operations Staff, Teachers, Students, and Parents. The AMS IV School Safety Team ensures the implementation and proper execution of the Charter School Safety Plan.

SAFETY PLAN NVCHS for AMS IV 2022 - 2023

Claubentz Dieujuste, Principal

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The Final Plan must be formally adopted by the Board of Trustees. Pursuant to Commissioner’s Regulation, Section 155.17(e)(3), Final School Safety Plans will be made available for public comment at least 30 days prior to its adoption. The plan may be adopted by the Board of Trustees only after at least one public hearing that provides for the participation of school personnel, parents, students, and any other interested parties. To ensure student safety, the plan will be considered ‘in effect’ until such time as a full public review can be conducted and the Final Plan approved by the Board. The Board of Trustees must submit complete copies of the AMS IV School Safety Plan and any amendments to the NYSED within thirty (30) days of their adoption. A copy of the AMS IV School Safety Plan and any amendments thereto must also be filed with the appropriate local law enforcement agency and state police within thirty (30) days of its adoption.

The AMS IV School Safety Plan should be reviewed periodically with staff and students throughout the year and must be maintained currently by the AMS IV School Safety Team. The AMS IV School Safety Plan is an iterative, living document that will be reviewed, modified and formally updated to comply with current best practices in school safety annually. The required annual review must be completed on or

before July 1 of each year after its adoption by the Board of Trustees.

A complete copy of the AMS IV School Safety Plan will be located in the ADSO’s Office, Room B11. It will also be posted on the school’s website.

SECTION II: RISK REDUCTION/PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION

Prevention/Intervention Strategies

All students are encouraged to approach any staff whenever they are concerned about their safety, especially if it involves violence or an emergency situation.

AMS IV asks that all students and adults in our building be safe, kind and productive. AMS IV believes that adhering to this maxim establishes the necessary conditions to realize the mission of the school and ensures that there is a sense of respect and security throughout the school community. Nevertheless, AMS IV has established procedures that are followed when this sense of safety, kindness and productivity is breached.

The Principal and ADSO work collaboratively with AMS IV parents at every level of engagement, from individual parent conferences to parent association meetings, in order to maintain a violence-free community. The AMS IV Code of Conduct prohibits student actions that are inconsistent with the overriding goal of maintaining a sense of respect and security throughout the school. Conduct in violation of the Code may be dealt with within the School setting, but it is also punishable by suspension from school or social or extracurricular activities or, under certain circumstances, by expulsion. The Code of Conduct has been approved by the School’s Board of Trustees and is subject to ongoing review by the Discipline Review Board, the Student Judiciary Council, and the School Community.

SAFETY PLAN NVCHS for AMS IV 2022 - 2023

Claubentz Dieujuste, Principal

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AMS IV Incident Procedures

When an incident occurs on the premises staff notifies the office, as well as the Dean Team. A member of the Dean Team escorts the involved parties to Support Services. Each person involved in the incident completes an Incident Report to describe their experience of the incident. Additionally, any student who violated the AMS IV Code of Conduct during the incident completes an intervention plan. An administrator reviews the plan(s) and incident reports, and then interviews the student and any involved parties. If it is determined that a student has violated the Code of Conduct, family members and advisors are invited to meet with the administrator and student regarding the incident. The student participates in natural consequence, act of apology, and community service. The administrator may determine that the incident should be referred to the Discipline Review Board.

School Safety Personnel

AMS IV utilizes the School Safety services provided by the NYPD School Safety Division. Each School

Safety Agent (SSA) assigned to the School Safety Division takes an oath to provide security and ensure the safety of students, as well as faculty and visitors in New York City Public Schools. During the hiring process, Agent candidates provide information and undergo extensive examinations as part of the applicant process. Some of the exams include medical, psychological, physical and character exams; they must pass each exam to be considered for employment. Upon successful completion of these exams, they enter the New York City Police Academy, School Safety Agent Recruit Training School for a period of fourteen (14) weeks. While assigned to the academy, they receive training including classes in Law, Police Science, Behavioral Science, as well as Physical Training. They also learn how to interact with students, staff and the public utilizing Courtesy, Professionalism and Respect.

An Agent is posted at the main entrance of AMS IV, as well throughout the hallways of the AMS IV space. In addition, the Principal, ADSO and other staff members are a constant presence in AMS IV hallways and stairwells.

It is the duty of the School Safety Agent Level III and other School Safety Agents to work in conjunction with the administrations of all schools on the August Martin Campus. The agents are required to report any untoward incidents to the School Safety Division Operations Center.

In emergencies, the School Safety Agent Level III has the authority to alter assignments as the needs of the building change. In the absence of the School Safety Agent Level III, the second-in-command, i.e. the assigned School Safety Agent will assume this responsibility.

All Agents have the following duties and responsibilities:

To remain at their assigned posts until relieved by authorized personnel or instructed by an SSA Level III and/or school administrator to respond to an immediate security situation;
To report untoward incidents to the SSA Level III;

SAFETY PLAN NVCHS for AMS IV 2022 - 2023

Claubentz Dieujuste, Principal

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To escort all intruders to the SSA Level III and/or appropriate school administrator
To conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times;
To call or radio appropriate reports in a timely manner;
To prohibit students from remaining at their posts for extended conversations;
To refer all students and/or intruders picked up for infractions will be referred to the proper school’s administration; and
To call for backup and/or assistance when necessary.

Visitor Control Procedures

The front door of the school is located at 156-10 Baisley Blvd, Queens, NY 11434. Upon entering the school building, all visitors must get processed through the scanning device and then proceed directly to

the School Safety Agent’s desk. The visitor must present valid identification and sign the Visitor Log. The security agent will then call AMS IV’s Main Office (Room 177) to obtain permission for the visitor to go directly to the main office. All school visitors are required to wear a school name tag/pass while in the school.

If a visitor fails to provide proper identification or refuses to sign in, the security agent must call the AMS IV Main Office for explicit permission to allow the visitor access; they may deny entry. In the event that a visitor is observed on the wrong floor or without a Visitor Pass, the visitor must be addressed and may be escorted out of the building.

Training, Drills and Exercises

AMS IV believes that it is critical for staff and faculty to be able to detect potentially violent behaviors early; consequently, teachers and staff receive professional development training to aid in the identification of any behavior or emotional issues students may face. Regularly scheduled meetings with teachers provide ample room for staff discussion of any issues as they arise.

EARLY DETECTION OF POTENTIALLY VIOLENT BEHAVIORS

Internal and external presentations are made by school administrators, as well as by a contracted vendor on establishing positive discipline, to the entire New Visions Charter High School for the Advanced Math and Science staff and students that address issues of violence in our community, trends that lead to violent behavior and our mutual responsibility to preserve a safe school community. Training for staff on early detection will continue as part of a threat assessment strategy so that employees understand what actions to take.

SAFETY PLAN NVCHS for AMS IV 2022 - 2023

Claubentz Dieujuste, Principal

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DRILLS

The School conducts the mandated safety drills (fire, lockdowns, shelter in, bus) within the first two months of school, concluding drills by October 31. AMS IV schedules the dates and times of drills with co-located schools; these drills are conducted in coordination with local and county emergency response and preparedness officials. Each drill is followed by a meeting of the AMS IV School Safety Team to assess necessary improvements and/or alterations.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

In conjunction with the inception of the AMS IV School Safety Plan, the AMS IV ADSO, with the assistance of the Custodial Engineer, School Safety Agents and local emergency officials, identifies sites of potential emergency situations annually. This group works to identify both internal and external hazards that may warrant protective actions, such as maintenance, warnings, removal, evacuation planning, etc.

School Safety Team identified the following potential emergency sites and situations:

Potential Emergency Site Related Potential Emergency Situation

Supply closets (Internal) Hazardous material

Garbage/Dumpsters (Internal) Hazardous material

Science Labs (Internal) Hazardous material/fire

Note: 12 AMS IV school staff members have been trained in CPR and the use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). They are:

Claudia Aubourg - Associate Director of School Operations
Deron Gurcharan - Associate Director of Business Operations
Elaine Burke - School Manager
Kadianne Gordon - Dean Assistant
Carl Charles - Dean Associate
Danielle Ifill - Family Outreach Coordinator
Paul Caducci - Dean Associate
Ana Cruz- Assistant Principal - Culture & Climate
Nilda Marmol- Operations Assistant
Excel Espina - Technology
Michael Sacks - Teacher
Michael Gomez - Teacher

AED devices are located at the following locations throughout the building:

SAFETY PLAN

NVCHS for AMS IV 2022 - 2023

Claubentz Dieujuste, Principal

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Serial Number	Building Location	Status
0503093792	Q400 - August Martin HS 3rd Floor - Room 393	A
0303087574	Q400 - Voyages Prep 2nd Floor - Room 205	A
0403089856	Q400 - August Martin HS 1st Floor - Security Desk	A
0503093809	Q400 - August Martin HS PSAL	A
0304114611	Q400 - August Martin HS Basement - Room B92	A

Additional

Every AMS IV staff member is fingerprinted following their hiring. In addition, every staff member must authorize and participate in a formal background check.

AMS IV reviews the details of the AMS IV School Safety Plans with all faculty and staff, ensuring all members of the community are clear on their roles and responsibilities as well as the logistics of the plan.

Plans are produced to ensure safe egress from the building Evacuation aligned with August Martin Campus-wide procedures outlined in the August Martin School Safety Plan, ATTACHMENT A, SECTION 7,

P. 24.

Specific plans for the following (multi-hazard) situations will be developed as well:

Fires (aligned with August Martin Campus-wide School Safety Plan)
Intruders in Building (aligned with August Martin Campus-wide School Safety Plan)
Bomb scares(aligned with August Martin Campus-wide School Safety Plan)
Hazmat situations (hazardous materials) (aligned with August Martin Campus-wide School Safety Plan)
Building Collapse/Explosion (aligned with August Martin Campus-wide School Safety Plan)
Shootings (aligned with August Martin Campus-wide School Safety Plan)
Hostage Situations (aligned with August Martin Campus-wide School Safety Plan)

Annually, the School with law enforcement officials review and maintain the AMS IV Safety Plan. During the annual meeting with local law enforcement officials, the ADSO will distribute floor plans and evacuation maps. The maps reflect any changes to the interior and exterior of the school building (e.g., change of room numbers, new fire doors, etc.) and surface changes to the surrounding properties and roadways.

AMS IV reviews the AED Site Response Plan with all employees as part of the annual review of the AMS IV School Safety plan. A complete copy is stored in the Main Office. In addition, New Visions Charter High School for Advanced Math and Science IV conducts regular, unannounced drills to practice AED training.

SAFETY PLAN NVCHS for AMS IV 2022 - 2023

Claubentz Dieujuste, Principal

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SECTION III: RESPONSE

Notification and Activation (External and Internal Communication)

In the event of an emergency, either the Principal or the ADSO will notify local law enforcement officials via 911, including, but not limited to:

NEW YORK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT (FDNY) ENGINE COMPANY 311 - Hook & Ladder 158

218 145th Rd.

Springfield Gardens, NY Telephone:

NYPD PRECINCT 113th PBBX

167-02 Baisley Blvd Jamaica, NY

Telephone (718) 712-7733

Any adult in the school building could and should call 911 in the event that a person needs immediate medical attention or his/her condition appears life threatening.

A list of local law enforcement officials and contact information will be maintained in the School “Emergency/Safety’ Binder in the Main Office. The ADSO will also have a soft copy of this document on file, and a hard copy in their office.

In the event of a disaster or violent act, the Principal or ADSO will ensure that all staff are notified personally if immediate communication is required (by walking from classroom to classroom or using the loudspeaker system, if appropriate), or by conducting an emergency staff meeting at the earliest convenient time if the situation does not require immediate communication. The principal will also notify the Board of Trustees by phone as soon as all critical details have been handled at the site.

AMS IV will notify parents of a violent incident or early dismissal through use of the School Messenger system, e-mail and/or letter home. Parent contact information including a school-wide email group and the School Messenger System will be regularly updated with current family/parent/guardian contact information.

Note – AMS IV Families are instructed in the Family/Student Handbook as to where to find updated information and contact numbers for the school in the event of any emergency situation.

SITUATIONAL RESPONSES

NVHS AMS4 Safety Plan SY2022-23

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