Safety Doesn’t Clock Out: Protecting Students After Hours

Introduction

When the final bell rings, one might assume that school safety concerns end for the day. But for administrators, coaches, and community members, the reality is very different. Sports games, theater productions, and evening events bring unique challenges, and often fewer safeguards. If safety planning stops at the bell, schools leave critical gaps that can put students, staff and visitors at risk.

The Hidden Vulnerability

After-hours activities often involve multiple entry points, minimal staff supervision, and large crowds. Unlike the structured school day, these events can feel informal, which sometimes means safety protocols are relaxed. That’s a mistake.

As Jill Lemond, former school administrator and Evolv’s VP of Education, emphasized during a recent K-2 safety webinar, “we focus so much on the school day, but incidents can also happen during extracurriculars. Safety planning must extend beyond 8 to 3.”

Events like basketball games or school concerts attract not only students but parents, alumni, and community members, many of whom are unfamiliar with the school’s safety procedures. This can create a perfect storm for confusion during emergencies.

Why It Matters

Incidents at school sporting events have made headlines nationwide, from fights escalating into violence to unauthorized individuals entering facilities. These situations highlight the need for proactive planning.

Britney Fortner, Director of Safety, Security, and Threat Management at Mansfield ISD, notes “community engagement is great, but it can’t come at the cost of security. We need to plan for these scenarios.”

How to Approach Safety for After Hour Events

• Secure Entry Points: Limit access to one or two monitored entrances and use clear signage to direct visitors.

• Screen for Weapons: Deploy screening technology for large gatherings. Communicate screening procedures in advance to avoid delays.

• Train Event Staff: Coaches, club leaders, and volunteers should know emergency protocols. Quick safety briefings before events can make a big difference.

• Visitor Management: Implement check-in systems for non-student attendees. Digital solutions help track who enters and exits.

• Emergency Communication: Ensure panic alert systems like Centegix are active during events. Designate staff responsible for contacting first responders.

“Safety isn’t just about the building,” says Fortner, “It’s about the entire ecosystem. Technology plays a huge role in keeping students secure.”

Building a Culture of Safety

Schools that extend their protocols to after-hours activities send a powerful message: every student, staff member, and visitor deserves protection, no matter the hour. “Safety culture is about consistency,” says Lemond.  “If we only apply it during the school day, we’re missing the bigger picture.”

For more insights into school security, watch our on-demand webinar where Jill Lemond and Britney Fortner discuss layered safety strategies, building a positive school culture, leveraging technology, and extending security beyond school hours.