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School Safety and Security

MPS wants all students, families, and staff to be safe. We work to provide supportive, welcoming environments for all students to promote academic excellence. In addition, the physical and social-emotional well-being of students and staff is a priority. We believe that the safest schools are built on a strong foundation of respect, inclusion, and trust.

Comprehensive safety measures are essential for both day to day safety and in emergencies. Our measures include:

  • Robust school security
  • Behavior expectations for students and staff
  • Clear incident response protocols
  • Effective behavioral threat assessment and management procedures

For more information on school safety or emergency planning, please contact your school’s principal or the MPS Office of Emergency Operations at (414) 750-0621 or mpssafety@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.
 

Materials and Resources

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Overview

At Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families is our highest priority. To ensure a coordinated and effective response to any emergency, each school in our district follows a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) developed in partnership with local first responders, public safety agencies, and emergency management professionals.

Districtwide implementation: September 2, 2025
 

What is the MPS Emergency Operations Plan?

The EOP is a districtwide framework that guides how schools prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. It outlines roles, responsibilities, and response actions for a wide range of incidents—whether a natural disaster, medical emergency, or security threat.

MPS follows national best practices, including guidelines from:

  • The U.S. Department of Education
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Wisconsin Department of Justice – Office of School Safety
     

What the EOP covers

Procedures for:

  • Evacuation: Safely leaving the building in emergencies like fires or gas leaks.

  • Lockdown: Securing classrooms and limiting movement due to a threat on or near campus.Hold: Keeping students in classrooms to clear hallways for medical or administrative reasons.
  • Shelter: Taking cover during severe weather or hazardous materials events.
  • Reunification: Reconnecting students with families after a crisis.
  • Communication: Coordinating timely, accurate messaging with families and staff.
     

Our use of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)

MPS has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) across all schools to ensure clear, consistent actions in emergencies. These include:

  • HOLD – Stay in your room. Clear the halls.
  • SECURE – Get inside. Lock outside doors.
  • LOCKDOWN – Locks, lights, out of sight.
  • EVACUATE – To the announced location.
  • SHELTER – Using appropriate safety strategies for hazards.

Posters outlining these actions are displayed in every MPS classroom and office.
 

Drills and preparedness

To build confidence and readiness, schools regularly conduct safety drills, including:

  • Fire evacuation drills
  • Lockdown and secure drills
  • Severe weather shelter drills
  • Reunification drills (for staff)

Staff also receive ongoing training in crisis response and safety procedures.
 

What families should know

  • Keep contact info updated in Infinite Campus.
  • Wait for instructions during emergencies, do not go to the school unless directed.
  • Review the SRP actions with your child to reinforce confidence and understanding.
  • Watch for reunification instructions after any major event.
     

Speak Up, Speak Out (SUSO)

MPS partners with the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Speak Up, Speak Out (SUSO) program, a 24/7 confidential tip line that allows students, staff, and families to report threats, bullying, or safety concerns.

  • Website: speakup.widoj.gov
  • Phone/Text: 1-800-MY-SUSO-1 (1-800-697-8761)
  • Available 24/7 – Anonymous & Safe
     

Emergency communication

In an emergency, MPS will communicate with families through:

  • Phone, text, and email alerts (SchoolMessenger)
  • Updates on mpsmke.com and social media
  • Local news media
     

Reunification Materials

Classroom Posters

Crisis Response Links