August 18, 2025
Dear UTSC Families,
The safety of our children is always our top priority. As we approach the first month of the new school year, we want to take this opportunity to inform and remind you of the safety precautions and protocols we have in place. Ensuring the well-being of students and staff is at the forefront of everything we do, and we know it is equally important to you. This week will be a designated annual safety week at UTSC where we will practice drills, discuss safety procedures with students, communicate with families and partner with our Union Township Fire Department and Porter County Sheriff's Department to tour buildings and review safety plans.
Partnership with Porter County Sheriff's Department: We have a resource officer present in our buildings each day. They support the arrival and dismissal of our students as well as the daily functioning of our buildings. Resource Officers also assist in our monthly safety drills and safety meetings.
Safety Drill Information: Students and staff participate in monthly safety drills addressing weather events, fires, bus evacuations, intruders and other threats. We teach and practice a uniform response according to each drill. We follow the UTSC Safety Response Plan adopted by all Porter County Schools. A poster of this guidance is posted in each classroom including evacuation routes and shelter areas. In addition, all classroom and area doors inside the building will remain locked during each school day.
Communication is paramount in making all efforts successful: Please let us know of any changes in telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, or texting information. Electronic information will be the quickest way of informing you of any concerns, emergencies, or school cancellations.
Visitors to our schools: We require visitors to buzz-in at the entrance, inform us of who you are and the purpose of your visit. Please check-in with our office, sign-in, and wear a visitor sticker while you are in our building. We require safe school background checks to be a volunteer or chaperone.
At Union Township Schools, we want YOU to say something if you see, hear, or know of potential dangers that could impact the safety and security of our school. We have a link to PC Sheriff Dept. anonymous tip line on our website: https://www.union.k12.in.us/page/school-safety Whether you are on your way to school, walking in our neighborhood, or on social media, remember we all play a role in keeping our communities safe. Stay vigilant and say something when you see signs of danger, threats to do harm, or any suspicious activity. You can report to any trusted adult, including a teacher, parent, administrator, counselor, or secretary. Our students do an excellent job at this and we want to thank them for continuing this practice. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, you may consider calling the Porter County Police Department directly.
We sincerely thank you for your partnership in the safety of our
students, staff and community!