At Linden Public Schools, the safety and security of our students, staff, and community is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment through comprehensive measures, policies, and resources that address a wide range of safety needs. We employ a multi-layered approach to safety and security, focusing on prevention, preparedness, and response. Our policies are aligned with state and national guidelines and include collaboration with local law enforcement, emergency responders, and safety experts.

Linden Public Schools has appointed Keith Aslin as our School Safety Specialist to oversee and coordinate all safety measures across the district. His responsibilities include:

• Training in the latest school safety protocols.
• Acting as a liaison between the district and local law enforcement.
• Conducting regular assessments of school safety plans and procedures.
• Ensuring compliance with state safety regulations.

For questions or concerns, please Email Keith Aslin.

To ensure the safety of our school community during emergencies, we conduct regular drills and provide training for staff and students. Our emergency preparedness efforts include:

• Fire Drills: Practiced monthly to ensure swift evacuation when needed.
• Lockdown Drills: Conducted to prepare for potential threats within or near school buildings.
• Shelter-in-Place Drills: Used for severe weather or environmental hazards.
• Evacuation Plans: Customized for each school in the district to ensure safe exits in any situation.

Detailed emergency plans are reviewed annually and shared with staff and local emergency responders.

Maintaining a safe environment requires the involvement of everyone in our community. If you witness suspicious behavior or have safety concerns, please report them through one of the following methods:

• HELPme Anonymous Reporting System:
https://web.helpmeresources.com/login

• Contact your school’s principal or Email Keith Aslin, the district’s School Safety Specialist.

Linden Public Schools is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where all students feel supported. We understand the importance of addressing bullying, violence, and mental health needs comprehensively to ensure every student thrives.

Our resources and initiatives include:

• Responding to Violence:
Access to counseling and mental health professionals, support for trauma recovery, and training to recognize and report warning signs of violence.

• Anti-Bullying Initiatives:
Programs and policies aligned with the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, including anonymous reporting of incidents, bullying prevention education, and ongoing support for victims.

For more information and to access these resources, please visit our Student Services page.

We partner with and reference guidance from nationally recognized organizations to ensure our schools remain safe. These resources provide valuable tools and information for students, parents, and educators:

• National School Safety Center (NSSC):
A resource focused on violence prevention and safe school planning.
https://www.schoolsafety.us/

• Safe and Sound Schools:
Offers comprehensive crisis prevention, response, and recovery resources for schools.
https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/

• U.S. Department of Education – Office of Safe and Supportive Schools:
Provides guidance and resources on creating and maintaining safe school environments.
https://www.schoolsafety.gov/

• National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC):
Managed by the U.S. Secret Service, NTAC provides research and guidance on threat assessments to prevent targeted violence in schools.
https://www.secretservice.gov/protection/ntac

• Office of School Preparedness & Emergency Planning (OSPEP):
A New Jersey state resource offering tools and training for emergency planning and school safety.
https://www.nj.gov/education/security/