Plainwell Community Schools is dedicated to creating a safe and secure learning environment for both our students and staff. As part of this commitment, we are implementing various security enhancements within our facilities, providing training for staff and students, improving reporting and response systems and reinforcing our strong partnerships with local authorities. With this in mind, we are excited to introduce two new safety and security features being implemented at PCS.
K9 SERVICE DOG
Earlier this year, PCS chose to opt into the additional 31aa safety grant funding from the State of Michigan, a decision that many other districts (529) opted not to take. This funding boost will enable PCS to introduce Ginny, a K9 service dog trained for both therapy and bomb/firearm detection. Along with her handler, Jean Freeman, Ginny will join our team on March 2, 2026. Much like our Safety Director, Bob Farris, our experienced K9 handler Jean has comprehensive training and certification to carry a firearm. This K9 team will be present in all our facilities daily and at some after school events to ensure safety and security while offering reassurance and support to both students and staff. This certified safety dog team can detect firearms, explosives and other items which are prohibited in our buildings. Jean and Ginny will act as a proactive solution and deterrent to bringing illegal items onto school property. The K9 team will provide another layer to school safety and proactively deter unlawful behavior.
Our K9 team will accomplish this by:
Monitoring students and visitors as they enter our buildings
Monitoring hallways and lockers between class periods
Sniffing backpacks and bags
Sweeping the perimeter of the school buildings and cars in the parking lot
Providing security escorts as necessary
When not actively searching for prohibited items, the dog will be an emotional support animal. This will provide students and staff with another mental health outlet as well as safe social interaction opportunities during the school day.
If your student has any allergies to dogs or experiences anxiety or fear around them, please reach out to your student's school building.
ONLINE SAFETY HUB
We are also thrilled to introduce our new Online Safety Hub, designed for parents, staff and students. You can access this hub on our website or directly at https://plainwellschools.onlinesafetyhub.io. The hub offers a wide array of resources to help navigate social media, AI trends, internet safety, gaming, screen time and many other modern challenges we encounter as parents, children and staff.
Thank you for your continued support of Plainwell Community Schools - GO TROJANS!