As we begin a new school year, we want to remind families that the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We take a layered approach to campus safety by combining caring relationships, trained staff, standardized emergency procedures, secure facilities, community partnerships, and modern safety technology. 

Standardized Emergency Procedures

All NMUSD schools use the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a nationally recognized framework that provides clear, consistent actions for responding to emergencies, including Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

Each school maintains a comprehensive school safety plan that is reviewed annually and updated as needed. Schools regularly conduct drills with students and staff, including fire, lockdown, secure, shelter, and disaster drills.

Schools also maintain emergency supplies and equipment that are inventoried and replenished.

Modern Safety Technology

(NEW) CENTEGIX

This year, all schools are implementing CENTEGIX, a wearable safety badge that allows employees to instantly request assistance during an emergency with the press of a button. CENTEGIX works alongside the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), providing staff with a quick way to request assistance while following standardized emergency response procedures. The system also integrates with local law enforcement dispatch centers, helping to support faster communication and response during emergencies. 

Watch a 1-minute, 20-second video to learn more. 

Downloadable flyers available in English, Spanish, and Russian. 

Security Cameras

All schools are equipped with security cameras featuring artificial intelligence-assisted analytics to enhance situational awareness and support faster response. Security camera systems integrate with CENTEGIX to provide precise location information for staff and first responders to more quickly identify where assistance is needed.

These are just a few components of NMUSD's comprehensive approach to school safety. Additional measures that support safe, welcoming, and prepared campuses include:

• Community Partnerships - NMUSD partners with the Costa Mesa and Newport Beach Police Departments to provide School Resource Officers (SROs). SROs work closely with our schools to support campus safety, build positive relationships, and assist during emergencies. 
   
• Student Health & Well-Being - Schools have counselors and student support staff who foster positive school climates, build strong relationships with students, and provide social-emotional, mental-health, and wellness support. Through schoolwide wellness initiatives, prevention programs, and caring adult connections, we work toward every student feeling seen, heard, supported, and safe.
   
• Safety Reporting System - At our secondary schools, NMUSD partners with WeTip 2.0, a 24-hour anonymous reporting system that allows students, families, and community members to report suspicious activity and safety concerns by phone, text, or online. At elementary schools, students and families are encouraged to "See Something, Say Something" by immediately reporting safety concerns to a school staff member.
   
• Secure School Facilities - Schools have controlled entry points to help manage campus access. Security window film and lockdown shades continue to be installed at schools, and the district continues to invest in additional infrastructure improvements to support safety. 

Together, these layers of prevention, preparedness, technology, partnerships, and secure facilities create safe, welcoming learning environments where every student can learn and thrive. For more information about our safety protocols, visit our School Safety webpage.