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Transparency Report
At Kenowa Hills Public Schools, the safety and security of students and staff remain top priorities. Over the past decade, the district has made extensive investments to ensure every building is a secure, welcoming place for learning. These efforts have been possible thanks to the overwhelming support of our community through the 2016, 2020, and 2024 bond measures, which together have transformed the district’s approach to school safety.
The 2016 bond laid the foundation by funding secure entrances at every school. These redesigned entryways allow staff to closely monitor and control visitor access, providing an immediate layer of protection while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for families and community members. This first step was essential in modernizing district security and set the stage for future improvements. In addition, a reconfiguration of traffic and parking lot flow was completed at our three elementary buildings and middle school, to ensure drop off and pick up are not only safe, but also convenient for parents.
Building on that work, the 2020 bond provided $67 million for district-wide improvements, many of which strengthened safety infrastructure. These included updated security systems, improved communication tools, and upgraded facilities designed to support a safe and efficient learning environment.
In addition to our focus on secure entrances and traffic improvements, our efforts to develop and train for emergency situations have been highlighted locally. Both lockdown drills and cardiac emergencies are a part of ongoing efforts to keep our Knights safe. Together, these bond-supported efforts reflect both the community’s commitment and the district’s mission: to value, support, and empower all learners to achieve their full potential.
Michigan law, House Bill 5451 states that all public school districts must share information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) about the safe storage of firearms by October 1st each year.
Firearm Safety and Harm Prevention
Firearm Storage Requirements and Penalties
Firearm Storage Requirements and Penalties - Spanish
Questions?
Deputy Emily Bishop
KHPS School Resource Officer
ebishop@khps.org
Kenowa Hills Public Schools uses a Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) process to assist in the proactive prevention of targeted violence.
Targeted violence is premeditated and directed at specific individuals, groups, or locations. Targeted violence is distinct from violence that is impulsive, random, or spontaneous and is often distinguished by pre-attack behaviors that suggest violence as a possible outcome. Those who pose a risk of targeted violence do not always make direct threats before an attack, but often communicate their intentions to those around them. Since pre-attack behaviors are often observable, the BTAM process can be utilized to interrupt, intervene, and prevent acts of violence.
Following the model outlined by the Secret Service/National Threat Assessment Center and aligned with Kent ISD guidance, the mission of the Kenowa Hills BTAM Team is to identify, investigate, assess, and intervene/manage potential acts of targeted violence. Management includes providing interventions and collaborating with local mental health and law enforcement agencies for the purpose of moving students away from the pathway to violence. Threat assessments aim to prevent violence without profiling potential attackers. When a threat is made, having an equitable, objective, and standardized method of evaluating and responding to threats is critically important.
The Kenowa Hills BTAM Team will employ a behavior-based approach to identify and assess individuals who demonstrate concerning communications or behavior. The team shall be composed of trained school personnel from diverse positions, including (at minimum) a school administrator, mental health professional, and school resource officer.
Our website will include updates in the near future to include more information as well as these useful links:
KHPS BTAM for Students/Community
MI Law Section 380.1308e
MSP’s Office of School Safety’s Detect and Connect Video Series
OK2SAY
Nothing is more precious than your children. Find out how we work to ensure students feel safe, valued, and that they belong.
Safety and Security Commitment to Anti-Bullying Creating Inclusive Environments Safety DrillsLife is busy. At Kenowa Hills, we partner with families to make life easier.
TRANSPORTATION BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CAREOur Personal Mastery educational experience has redefined education and has gained attention around the state and nation. Personal Mastery provides your child with personalized attention from teachers. Instead of teaching to a broad group of students without an understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses, Personal Mastery allows teachers to interact with students individually or in small groups to help them better address their weaknesses. In this way, we strive to help your child reach their full potential.
PERSONAL MASTERY SPECIAL EDUCATION ENGLISH LEARNERS TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOMAt the home of the Knights, athletic programs are a vital part of building character, drive, commitment, and teamwork for our student athletes.
UP-TO-DATE SPORTS INFO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT YOUTH SPORTS Athletic BoostersThe arts build pride and community at Kenowa Hills. From our Marching Knights to musical performances at our Performing Arts Center, we believe the student experience really is a work of art.
FINE ART PROGRAMS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
