With Tecumseh Public Schools on summer break, the normally bustling halls are quieter as students enjoy their time off and staff begin their vacations. In the meantime, preparations are underway to ready the Early Learning Centers, Tecumseh Middle School, and Tecumseh High School for the upcoming school year.
The Operations Department is taking full advantage of this downtime by continuing safety upgrades at TMS and THS, funded by a Section 97 safety grant.
As part of phase two of these upgrades, Michigan Glass Coatings is installing shatterproof safety films in the vestibules of both TMS and THS. These films are designed to delay intruders, provide additional response time, and enhance overall security.
During Thanksgiving Break of the 2023-2024 school year, TPS made significant strides in bolstering security at Tecumseh High School by replacing compromised door frames and doors at both entrances. The original frames had detached from the concrete structure, necessitating a comprehensive replacement to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Michigan's Section 97 safety grant supports school districts, ISDs, and nonpublic schools in enhancing safety and mental health services. These funds can be used to hire mental health support staff, implement mental health screening tools, and facilitate community discussions on student mental health and safety. Additionally, the grants support the development of critical incident maps to ensure schools are well-prepared for emergencies.
“This investment in our schools’ security infrastructure is a testament to our commitment to providing a safe learning environment for our students and staff,” said Vic Pratt, Director of Communications for TPS. “By proactively addressing potential security challenges, we are taking necessary steps to ensure the well-being of our school community.”
The strategic use of resources from the Section 97 safety grant underscores TPS’s proactive approach to anticipating and addressing potential security challenges, ensuring a safer environment for all students and staff.