Campus Walkthroughs, First-Week Drills That Matter

Campus safety doesn’t start on the first day of class. It starts now. Before staff and students arrive, principals and facility leaders should conduct detailed walkthroughs to identify hazards, test safety systems, and prepare for mandatory drills.

Back-to-School Safety Checklist:

• Are all entry doors, windows, and gates functioning and secured?

• Are security cameras, PA systems, and alarms operational?

• Are emergency posters (Standard Response Protocol charts, evacuation maps) up-to-date and clearly displayed?

• Are visitor check-in procedures visible, consistent, and enforced?

• Have all TEA-required drills been scheduled and communicated?

Pro Tips:

• Log walkthrough findings and action items in your facility management system or safety binder.
• Consider implementing first-week drills as teaching moments to orient new students and staff without inducing fear.
• Log after-action reviews to adjust future emergency responses.
• Refer to the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) guidance on EOPs, drills, and threat assessments to ensure alignment with TEC §37.108 and TEC §37.114.
• Consider incorporating TxSSC resources on Standard Response Protocol, reunification, and threat assessments into your employee training.

Start the School Year Prepared and Confident

Campus safety isn’t a one-and-done initiative. It’s a mindset that begins before the first bell rings. By proactively inspecting facilities, testing emergency systems, and aligning with state requirements, school leaders can create a secure environment where students and staff feel protected and supported. Use this checklist as a foundation, and continue building a culture of safety through training, communication, and continuous improvement.