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School Safety FAQs
FAQ topics
SCHEDULE
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All Barrow County Schools, except Apalachee High School, reopened Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Apalachee High School began a phased reopening on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. From Sept. 24 – Oct. 4, students will attend school for half days to help them ease back into the routine at a comfortable pace. We plan to return full-time after Fall Break on Oct. 14, 2024. For more information specific to AHS, see “when will AHS reopen?” below.
As a reminder, any final plans will come directly from Barrow County School System. Please continue to visit this page and email updates for the latest information. -
In addition to our current safety and security layers such as School Resource Officers (SROs) who serve our schools, the Centegix Crisis Alert system, security vestibules, visitor management system, and digital locking systems, we immediately added extra law enforcement officers at each campus. The Board of Education voted to add eight additional SROs and classroom phones at the September Work Session and October 1 meeting. We are also discussing possible additional layers of prevention and security and will release details about that as we can.
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November Mental Health Sessions for Families
November 3, 2025
Through ParentGuidance.org free Mental Health and well-being sessions, our families will find videos, webinars, and live virtual sessions with a licensed family therapist. More information through this link._1763556934.jpeg)
Student Code of Conduct Reminder
October 12, 2025
Please review the Student Code of Conduct once again with your child. We need your help to stress the seriousness of certain behaviors and words…School safety
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We understand if you or your child feel anxious about returning to school. Please reach out to your school for support and guidance. As a district, we are not providing online learning, however, we are working with families to connect them with options. Please complete this form for more information.
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As a district, we are not providing online learning, however, we are working with families to connect them with options. Please complete this form for more information.
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The next Board of Education meeting that is open to public comment is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. If you would like to request to speak, please complete this form and send it back to us. The form must be completed and returned to the Superintendent’s office at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Please know there is limited space in the board room but we do offer a live video feed on our YouTube channel.
SECURITY
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In addition to our current safety and security layers such as School Resource Officers (SROs) who serve our schools, the Centegix Crisis Alert system, security vestibules, visitor management system, and digital locking systems, the Board has approved the immediate purchase of OpenGate Weapons Detection Systems for all three high schools as of January 2025.. We are also discussing possible additional layers of prevention and security and will release details about that as we can.The Board of Education voted to add eight additional SROs and classroom phones at the September Work Session and October 1 meeting. We are also discussing possible additional layers of prevention and security and will release details about that as we can.
November Mental Health Sessions for Families
November 3, 2025
Through ParentGuidance.org free Mental Health and well-being sessions, our families will find videos, webinars, and live virtual sessions with a licensed family therapist. More information through this link.School safety
-
In addition to our current safety and security layers such as School Resource Officers (SROs) who serve our schools, the Centegix Crisis Alert system, security vestibules, visitor management system, and digital locking systems, we immediately added extra law enforcement officers at each campus. The Board of Education voted to add eight additional SROs and classroom phones at the September Work Session and October 1 meeting. We are also discussing possible additional layers of prevention and security and will release details about that as we can.
November Mental Health Sessions for Families
November 3, 2025
Through ParentGuidance.org free Mental Health and well-being sessions, our families will find videos, webinars, and live virtual sessions with a licensed family therapist. More information through this link.Student Code of Conduct Reminder
October 12, 2025
Please review the Student Code of Conduct once again with your child. We need your help to stress the seriousness of certain behaviors and words…School safety
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The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We take every reported threat seriously and cooperate with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in their investigations.
Read the joint statement from our Superintedent and Sheriff.
School safety
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This is an unbelievably challenging moment for all of us, and we encourage open and honest communication. You can contact your school counselor for guidance on how to approach these difficult conversations. To find some resources for right now:
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We understand if you or your child feel anxious about returning to school. Please reach out to your school’s counselor for support and guidance.
As a district, we are not providing online learning, however, we are working with families to connect them with options. Please complete this form for more information.
SPECIFIC TO AHS
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We began a phased reopening for Apalachee High School on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024.
From Sept. 24 – Oct. 4, students attended school for half days to help them ease back into the routine at a comfortable pace. Students returned to full days after Fall Break on Oct. 14, 2024.
- We will have an increase in law enforcement presence along with additional counselors, therapy dogs, and other resources.
- J Hall will be inaccessible and remain closed for the rest of the school year. We have temporarily arranged for all Social Studies classes to be held in a nearby Barrow County School System building on Star St. Buses will take students to and from those locations. This is temporary until new classroom pods arrive on campus, anticipated by January 2025.
- We offered an Open House at both locations on Monday, Sept. 23 to welcome families back to AHS.
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- Click for Barrow County Community Resource Center Service Provider Directory
- Click for a list of Mental Health Resources
SAMSHA Disaster Distress Line: 1-800-985-5990
Talk to Someone Now: 988
United Way : 211
Boys Town National Hotline: 1-800-448-3000
Boys Town Text Line: TEXT: 20121
Advantage Barrow: 855-333-9544
Crisis Text Line: TEXT: 741741
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC): 404-657-1956
The Salvation Army: 770-534-7589
Barrow County Victim Services: 770-307-3040
Georgia Crisis & Access Line - immediate access 24/7 Health Care: 1-800-715-4225
North Ga Conference of United Methodist - Alissa Rothchild: (706) 534-0604
River Hills Church for assistance and counseling: (770) 867-0909
Ser Familia - Para la comunidad de habla hispana: 678-363-3079
Bethlehem Church - Assistance and counseling: 770-867-3577
Winder 1st Baptist - Assistance and counseling: 770-867-9255
Ga Baptist Mission: Apalachee Association - Assistance and Resources: Chris Conner 770-601-2389
Crisis Recovery in Schools Resources: -
This is an unbelievably challenging moment for all of us, and we encourage open and honest communication. You can contact your school counselor for guidance on how to approach these difficult conversations.
Some resources for right now:
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Student athletics and activities have resumed for Apalachee High School. Please check sports schedules for any potential changes with dates. We will announce a rescheduled Homecoming winter date with students.
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As a district, we are not providing online learning, however, we are working with families to connect them with options. Please complete this form for more information.
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The Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Fund provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes (including witnesses) to help cover expenses such as medical bills, counseling, lost income, or loss of support expenses.
Application Process: More information and the online application can be found on the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s website.
Victims Compensation: CJCC CVCP (ga.gov)
SUPPORT
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- Click for Barrow County Community Resource Center Service Provider Directory
- Click for a list of Mental Health Resources
SAMSHA Disaster Distress Line: 1-800-985-5990
Talk to Someone Now: 988
United Way : 211
Boys Town National Hotline: 1-800-448-3000
Boys Town Text Line: TEXT: 20121
Advantage Barrow: 855-333-9544
Crisis Text Line: TEXT: 741741
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC): 404-657-1956
The Salvation Army: 770-534-7589
Barrow County Victim Services: 770-307-3040
Georgia Crisis & Access Line - immediate access 24/7 Health Care: 1-800-715-4225
North Ga Conference of United Methodist - Alissa Rothchild: (706) 534-0604
River Hills Church for assistance and counseling: (770) 867-0909
Ser Familia - Para la comunidad de habla hispana: 678-363-3079
Bethlehem Church - Assistance and counseling: 770-867-3577
Winder 1st Baptist - Assistance and counseling: 770-867-9255
Ga Baptist Mission: Apalachee Association - Assistance and Resources: Chris Conner 770-601-2389
Crisis Recovery in Schools Resources: -
This is an unbelievably challenging moment for all of us, and we encourage open and honest communication. You can contact your school counselor for guidance on how to approach these difficult conversations.
Some resources for right now:
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We understand if you or your child feel anxious about returning to school. Please reach out to your school’s counselor for support and guidance. As a district, we are not providing online learning, however, we are working with families to connect them with options. Please complete this form for more information.
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As a district, we are not providing online learning, however, we are working with families to connect them with options. Please complete this form for more information.
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We would like to thank everyone who reached out to help our Barrow County School System family. Your outpouring of support has been a bright light during this dark time.
How Can I Help?
The Barrow Community Foundation, a local non-profit agency, has been a valued partner of the Barrow County School System (BCSS) for several years.The Barrow Community Foundation has established a designated fund, the "Barrow Community Crisis Fund," to collect donations and support those in need during this time. Grants from the fund will be distributed by a committee of community leaders to organizations, including the Barrow County School System (BCSS), as well as other local agencies and non-profits. The fund is intended to ensure a collective recovery for the entire community.
If you are interested in supporting our community during this time, please fill out the forms below and we will be in contact.
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Families are encouraged to communicate with their child's school directly.