Owasso Public Schools Updating Safety Language Ahead Of New School Year

Owasso Public Schools will use new safety language when a security issue happens on campus this school year. The district says terms like “lockout” and “lockdown” were easily confused in the past, so it is adopting new terms to make communication clearer.

Parents like Dennis Adkins are trying to get everything in place for the start of the new school year on Thursday.

“Trying to get their schedules, get them all ready,” said Adkins. “Do all the last-minute stuff.”

Like most parents, Adkins says safety is top of mind for his two daughters in the district.

“I want to make sure my kids are safe,” he said. “Make sure they let us know when something like that happens.”

To keep parents in the know and get rid of any confusion, Owasso Schools is using new language for when a security threat unfolds on campus. The new terms are hanging up around each school, and everyone from students to secretaries to custodians are getting a lesson on what they mean.

“They’ll understand what’s going on because on this sheet here,” said Paul Croft, director of security for Owasso Public Schools. “It’s very detailed of what the student’s responsibility is and what the adult’s responsibilities are in the building.”

A “Hold” means hallways need to stay clear, but classes can continue. An example is a student having a medical episode on campus.

A “Secure” means there is a threat outside of campus. This could be officers serving a search warrant in a neighborhood near a school.

A “Lockdown” will carry the same definition of an immediate threat on campus. Students and teachers will stop classes, turn off the lights and lock doors to hide.

Croft says the terms should get rid of the confusion between a “lockout” and “lockdown.” He says first responders are also aware of the new terms and are ready to respond appropriately.