Safety & Security

A vital component of emergency readiness within the DOE is the School Safety Plan (SSP). As part of the Safety Plan, schools/campuses must identify individual staff members to become BRT members.  In campus settings, each school must have one representative on the BRT.  The BRT members are hand selected by the Principal(s) to manage all school-related emergencies until the first responders arrive.  In addition, all schools implement General Response Protocols (GRP) which outlines the initial actions to be taken if an incident results in an Evacuation, Shelter-In, or a Lockdown. These actions are based on the use of common language to initiate the measures all school communities will take in a variety of incidents. 

All staff, and students receive training in the GRP and drills are conducted at various times throughout the school year. Lessons have been designed for different grade levels so that the information is delivered to students without causing unnecessary alarm. Information on the GRP is sent home to parents help guide conversations with their children about emergency readiness in schools.

Families are also encouraged to register with Notify NYC to receive information about emergency events, and call 311 for additional information about a school during an emergency.

Learn more about General Response Protocols (GRP).

The Discipline Code is also known as the Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning. It:

• Is age-specific with one set for grades K-5 and another for grades 6-12.
• Explains the standards for behavior in the New York City public schools.
• Describes supports, interventions, and disciplinary responses that schools can use when students demonstrate unwelcome behavior.
• Explains how you can appeal decisions.
• Includes the K-12 Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.

For more information or or if you have questions, please contact the Office of Safety and Youth Development at 212-374-6807.