At Jones Middle School, the safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority. Creating a secure learning environment allows students to focus on what matters most—learning, growing, and preparing for their future. While school safety often brings thoughts of building security and emergency preparedness, it also includes digital safety, positive student behavior, and strong partnerships between home and school.
One of the most important safety measures we have implemented is our no cell phone policy during the school day. While cell phones can be valuable tools outside of school, they often create challenges that interfere with both learning and student safety. Across schools nationwide, cell phones are frequently used to coordinate inappropriate meetups in restrooms for vaping, arrange student conflicts and fights, and take or share photos and videos that can be used to bully, embarrass, or harass others. By limiting cell phone access during the school day, we are reducing distractions while also helping to prevent situations that can negatively impact student safety and school culture.
Parents play a critical role in monitoring their child's digital footprint. Social media platforms, group chats, and messaging applications can expose students to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online predators, and harmful peer pressure. We encourage families to regularly review their child's social media accounts, discuss responsible online behavior, and maintain open communication about digital interactions. Knowing who your child communicates with online is just as important as knowing who they spend time with in person.
Physical safety remains a major focus at Jones Middle School and throughout Boone County Schools. We are fortunate to have a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to our building every day. Boone County Schools is committed to having an SRO in every school, providing an additional layer of security and support for students and staff.
We are especially proud of Deputy Scott Menefee, who was recently recognized as the Region 4 School Resource Officer of the Year. Deputy Menefee works tirelessly to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families. His ability to connect with students helps create trust and encourages open communication. While he is known for his friendly presence throughout the building, his most important responsibility is ensuring that our school remains safe, secure, and prepared for any situation that may arise.
In addition to maintaining a secure campus, Jones Middle School regularly practices safety drills, reviews emergency procedures, monitors visitor access, and works closely with local law enforcement and emergency responders. These proactive measures help ensure that students and staff know how to respond appropriately during emergencies.
Parents can support our safety efforts by discussing school expectations with their children, reporting safety concerns promptly, monitoring online activity, and reinforcing the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. When families, students, and school staff work together, we create a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported.
Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to make Jones Middle School a safe place where every student can learn, achieve, and thrive.