LOWELLVILLE — Safety and preparation are on everyone’s mind in Lowellville schools.

“It’s a day and age not to be random in school security and safety,” said Geno Thomas, district superintendent.

Some security measures that have shaped the district include new tables in the cafeteria so hands don’t get crushed; a camera system — and safety buckets.

The buckets “are in the classrooms with essentials you would need in the event of a lockdown,” Principal Dennis Hynes said.

Containing toilet paper, feminine products, duct tape, tourniquets, a hammer and other basic items, the buckets are a proactive measure should the campus be locked down in the event of a threat.

“You’re in a lockdown for, say, two-three-four hours … consider the kid that has diabetes needs insulin or glucose pills,” Hynes said.

Working with local emergency medical services, police and University Hospitals, Thomas said there are 60 buckets on the campus: one in each of the 45 classrooms, guidance offices, gymnasiums and other office spaces.

The buckets themselves were donated by University Hospitals, which collaborated with Lowellville’s first responders to train school staff.

“Essentially, police, fire and EMS was involved including all staff and administration,” Thomas said.

“Our students know about (the buckets) and they’re aware,” Hynes said.

QUIZZED

During a recent study hall for 7th and 8th grade students with math teach Ivan Solak, Hynes quizzed the youngsters on the contents of a bucket.

Asking what a can of bug spray would be used for, one student offered that it could thwart a suspect with its directional reach.

Hynes asked what rope could be used for, and another student suggested tying up a suspect if possible.

As he pulled items out of the bucket, the answers from the students got creative.

Conversations within the classrooms are held so students know what to do in the event their teacher or peers get injured, Hynes said. “It’s a new mindset.”

SAFETY HOTLINE

Another resource, so that the district might not need to use the safety buckets, is a safety hotline, Hynes said.

The 487 students in the district have access to the number, which is posted throughout the school.

“Myself, the two guidance counselors, get an alert if anyone uses the hotline,” he said. Users are confidential.

Hynes said it’s “very rare” that the phone number is used; it’s happened maybe a couple of times in the last few of years.

A community safety committee meets monthly, and consists of four teachers, two board members, some community members, the Lowellville police chief and fire chief, Thomas said.

The group usually meets prior to school board meetings.

Keeping the students’ safety in mind, Thomas said even the traffic pattern that weaves around and through campus is “strategic” and flows to keep students safe.

“We really raise (safety) to a new level,” he said.

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