Safety & Security

Safety & Security is the number one priority of Clifton Public Schools

Clifton Public Schools’ administrators and staff undergo extensive training and simulation exercises for a wide range of emergency scenarios—both with and without students present. The district maintains a strong partnership with local municipalities, ensuring our Emergency Operations Plan is comprehensive, current, and aligned with best practices. Updated annually, the plan is meticulously reviewed with input and oversight by local law enforcement serving our community, ensuring the most effective response in the event of a crisis. For the safety and security of our students and staff, specific details within the Emergency Operations Plan remain confidential.

The district has fostered a strong, long-standing partnership with the City of Clifton Police Department to ensure our safety protocols meet the highest standards, benefiting from their expert guidance and oversight. Clifton Public Schools is also proud to collaborate with the department in providing School Resource Officers (SROs) at both our middle and high school campuses. These dedicated, sworn law enforcement officers play a crucial role in maintaining safety and preventing crime within our schools. Beyond their security duties, SROs actively engage with students and staff, building positive relationships, offering mentorship, and leading informative presentations on topics important to students, staff, and families. In addition, the district has launched a new safety initiative, deploying 12 trained security specialists across multiple locations. Each specialist is equipped with expertise in emergency response and de-escalation techniques.

See Something, Say Something Portal

Providing a safe school environment is everyone's responsibility. In order to maintain the safest learning environment, the district offers the See Something, Say Something Platform which is a portal for students, families, and community members to anonymously report threats or suspicious activity. In the event of an immediate threat or emergency, please call 911 immediately.

HIB

The district and Board of Education have a zero tolerance policy on harrassment, intimidation, and bullying. Resources are available for students, families, and staff.

HIB Resources

Non-Resident Tip Line

A $1,500 reward is being offered for information that leads to verified evidence of a non-resident student or family. To be eligible for the reward, you must provide your name and phone number. Please contact (973) 473-1444.

Cyber Vigilance

The district sincerely appreciates our school community's collective involvement and support in-person and online. The district requests that students, families, and staff remain vigilant in monitoring their online interactions to help maintain a positive school climate on and off campus.

Traffic Safety

The district requests that students, families, and staff be mindful of school zones and drive safely in and around school grounds, always using designated crosswalks and following the directions of crossing guards where present.

Communication During A School Emergency

In the event of a school emergency, families will be notified either during the incident or as soon as it is safe to do so, depending on the nature and duration of the situation. It is critically important that parents follow the district’s emergency protocols. Please note that school phones will not be answered during an active crisis, and parents or visitors will not be permitted on campus until authorities have declared it safe.

Families will receive timely updates via phone call, email, and/or text message. To ensure you receive these communications, please keep your contact information current with your child’s school.

Depending on the circumstances, students may be allowed to text their parents to confirm they are safe. However, in some situations, student phone use may be restricted. The district understands that families may have concerns and remains committed to sharing accurate information as quickly as possible.

Safety Drills

All schools comply with the New Jersey School Drill Law (N.J.S. 18A:41-1), which mandates one fire drill and one security drill each month. After every security drill, parents will receive a communication outlining the details.

If you arrive at your child’s school and notice blue strobe lights flashing, please be aware that a drill or emergency event is in progress. During this time, the school will not be answering phone calls or responding to entrance buzzers. The district appreciates your understanding and patience as we prioritize the safety of all students and staff.

Contact

Meaghan Zinola
Director of Safety and Security
mzinola@cliftonschools.net
(973) 874-2223