Avondale Safety & Security

School Policies

All District Policies Bullying & Harassment Form FOIA Procedures & Guidelines

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, it is the policy of Avondale School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, height, weight or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any instructional opportunities, programs, services, job placement assistance, employment or in policies governing student conduct and attendance.

Any person suspecting a discriminatory practice should contact the Executive Director of Human Resources of the Avondale School District, Ms. Sharon Hyde at 2940 Waukegan Street, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 or call 248-537-6038.

Grievance procedures for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act:

Any person believing that the Avondale School District or any part of the school organization has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of (1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (2) Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, (3) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (4) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, (5) Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and the Persons With Disabilities Civil Rights Act may bring forward a complaint, which shall be referred to as a grievance to:

Sharon Hyde, Executive Director of Human Resources
Avondale School District
2940 Waukegan Street Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Email: sharon.hyde@avondaleschools.org
Phone: 248-537-6038

The person who believes a valid basis for grievance exists shall discuss the grievance informally and on a verbal basis with the building principal or the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, who shall in turn investigate the complaint and reply with an answer within five (5) business days.

If the complainant feels the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved, they may initiate formal procedures according to the following steps:

Step 1. A written statement of the grievance signed by the complainant shall be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services within five (5)business days of receipt of answers to the informal complaint. The Assistant Superintendent shall further investigate the matters of grievance and reply in writing to the complainant within five (5) business days.

Step 2. A complainant wishing to appeal the decision of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services may submit a signed statement of appeal to the Superintendent of Schools within five (5) business days after receipt of the Assistant Superintendent’s response. The Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee shall meet with all parties involved, formulate a conclusion, and respond in writing to the complainant within ten (10) business days of this meeting.

The Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, on request, will provide the complainant with a copy of the district’s grievance procedure and investigate all complaints in accordance with this procedure.

A copy of each of the Acts and the regulations on which this notice is based may be found in the office of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.

The Avondale School District website includes important information for all members of our community. Avondale School District is committed to ensure all users can access the information contained on school and district sites.

The district's website is regularly evaluated to ensure that all users can access information. The district will also provide training to individuals who maintain district and school pages on posting information to meet federal guidelines for accessibility.

Difficulty Accessing School or District Content

If you are unable to access content on the district's website, please contact: 

Annette McAvoy, Avondale School District Communications 
annette.mcavoy@avondaleschools.org
248.537.6025

What is Title IX?

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any District program, service or activity including, but not limited to: educational programs or activities, e.g., extra-curricular activities, student services, academic counseling, discipline, classroom assignment, grading, athletics, transportation, etc.

Unlawful Discriminatory Practices Under Title IX:

Sexual Harassment (unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature), Sexual Misconduct/Violence (rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual exploitation and other forms of non-consensual sexual activity), Stalking (repeatedly following, harassing, threatening or intimidating including by telephone, mail, electronic communication or social media retaliation, adverse academic or other actions against anyone reporting or participating in an investigation of Title IX allegations).

Sexual Harassment / Sexual Assault Information GuideCertification of Title IX CoordinatorTitle IX Coordinator Training Materials


All Avondale School District staff members are required to take the Vector Safe Schools Module for Title IX Awareness.

Reporting Prohibited Behavior:

Members of the school district community who believe that a Title IX violation may have occurred, should discuss their concerns and/or file a complaint with one of the District's Title IX coordinators:
Sharon Hyde, Executive Director of Human Resources
sharon.hyde@avondaleschools.org
248.537.6038

Jamie Brooks, Principal, R. Grant Graham Elementary
jamie.brooks@avondaleschools.org
248.537.6899

You may also report any form of sexual misconduct to your local law enforcement:


School Security Definitions

Below are district definitions of:

  • Crisis Situation
  • Critical Incident
  • Secure Mode
  • Lockdown
  • Evacuate
  • Shelter


Crisis Situation:

A crisis situation is any unexpected event or series of events that significantly disrupts the normal operations of a school and poses a serious threat to the safety, well-being, or mental health of students, staff, or the broader community. These situations often require immediate intervention, communication, and decision-making.

  • Examples: Natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes), active shooter incidents, suicides, lock down situations, or large-scale community violence.


Critical Incident:

A critical incident is a specific event that requires an immediate and coordinated emergency response to prevent harm, mitigate risks, and restore safety and order. It may be a singular event or part of a broader crisis situation.

  • Examples: A medical emergency, fire, bomb threat, secure mode situation, or hazardous materials spill.


Secure Mode: 

Secure mode in a school setting refers to a precautionary measure where normal activities continue inside the building, but external movement is restricted. This is utilized when there is a medical emergency, isolated incident, or potential threat or danger near the school, but the situation does not pose an immediate risk inside the building. It is designed to protect students and staff while maintaining a sense of normalcy.

While in secure mode, all students and staff are typically instructed to remain indoors, with doors and windows secured. No one is allowed to leave or enter the building until the situation has been resolved or cleared by law enforcement or school officials. However, unlike a lockdown, students and staff are not typically required to hide or assume a defensive position. 

The purpose of secure mode is to ensure safety while allowing time for law enforcement or school personnel to assess and address the situation.


Lockdown:

A lockdown in a school setting is a more intense and restrictive safety measure than secure mode. It is implemented when there is an immediate, direct threat to the safety of students and staff, such as an intruder or an active shooter situation.

During a lockdown, all students, staff, and visitors are required to immediately go to a secure area, lock all doors, turn off lights, and remain quiet. They may be instructed to hide or assume a defensive position. No one is allowed to leave or enter the building until law enforcement or school officials deem it safe to do so. The primary goal of a lockdown is to protect everyone inside the school by minimizing exposure to danger until the threat is resolved.


Evacuate:

Evacuate is called when there is a need to move people from one location to another for safety reasons. If it can’t be resolved quickly, the school may have to plan for early dismissal. This decision should be made at the building-level with assistance and approval from district administration. 

  • On-site Evacuation
    An on-site evacuation is conducted usually because of a mechanical failure that would disrupt the school day, such as a power outage.

  • Off-site Evacuation
    An offsite evacuation may be necessary when it’s no longer safe to stay in the building such as a gas leak or bomb threat. In this case, people will be allowed to bring their personal items with them. If there has been a violent event at the school, an offsite evacuation will almost always be necessary since the school will be deemed a crime scene. People may or may not be able to bring their personal items with them.


Shelter:

Shelter is called when specific protective actions are needed based on a threat or hazard. This includes response to threats such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hazardous materials situations or other local threats.




Fire, Tornado, and Safe/Secure Drills 

Below you will find the schedules for fire, tornado, and shelter in place drills for the current school year, as well as tips for each drill. Completed drills will be marked as such, allowing you to ensure drills have been completed for your student's safety.


Fire Drill

  • Know where to go. Check your room’s drill map by the door.
  • Walk at least 100 ft away from the building.
  • Always bring your walkie if you have one.
  • Check that all of your students are accounted for.
  • Listen for the “all clear” on the walkie before re-entering.


Tornado Drill

  • Know where to go. Check your room’s drill map by the door.
  • Ensure all individuals are facing the wall, on their knees, covering their head with hands. 
  • Always bring your walkie if you have one.
  • Check that all of your students are accounted for.
  • Listen for the “all clear” before going back to your room.


Safe/Secure

There are two drills that involve either evacuation or sheltering in place.

  • An evacuation is appropriate for an emergency such as the release of a hazardous material inside the school building.
  • Sheltering in place is appropriate for an emergency that involves a dangerous individual on or near the school premises.

Fire Drills

Safe/Secure Drills

Fire Drills

Safe/Secure Drills

Tornado Drills

Fire Drills

Safe/Secure Drills

Tornado Drills

Fire Drills

Safe/Secure Drills

Tornado Drills


Fire Drills

Safe/Secure Drills

Tornado Drills

  • Tornado, 1/30/25 8:45 AM - Completed

Fire Drills

Safe/Secure Drills