Frequently Asked Questions

A: Right now, our focus is to fundraise toward the purchase of 251 lockdown door barricades. It’s important to note that we are not solely focused on one or two school buildings. We exist to keep EVERY child in Geneva safe.

A: It’s easy to stand up to bullies, but the real issue of bullying is solved within the victim and within the bully. We’re not “anti” bully, we’re “pro” kindness. We provide Kindness Awareness and mental health initiatives to help fill the resource gaps within the district and make Geneva schools a safer, kinder place for all students.

By bringing awareness to bullying in our schools, we create ways for parents and students to find non-violent resolutions to conflict.

In October 2018, GPSS served 3,000 students in all grades for National Bullying Prevention Month.

A: Activism needs active ingredients: people and enthusiasm. That’s why we have a bunch of fun, family-focused events and programs planned throughout the year. Don’t be shy! Join us to make a real difference in our schools.

A: Each door in the district costs a minimum of $250 to secure, and Geneva needs 251 door barricades. The cost includes the door barricades and installation, teacher training, and signage.

A: Sponsorships are an important part of our 2019 Campaign. You can help by printing out our SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION and giving it to your boss, or a friend who happens to own a business. We also have several large and small fundraisers planned throughout the year. You can support school safety by supporting these great fundraisers.

A: The short answer is NO. The Geneva Board of Education has not indicated that any funding from the May 2018 levy is to be allocated toward additional safety measures. That’s where we come in to “fill in the gaps” where funding is not available.

A: YES! The Geneva Community Improvement Corporation provides GPSS with fiscal oversight and support. That also means we operate (under the CIC) as a 501c(3) organization. So go ahead: DONATE HERE.

A: Anchorman Inc.’s “Anchor” barricades lock within seconds, making each classroom an individual safe zone in case of armed intruder threats. The Anchors were chosen by the Geneva Board of Education because they set the industry standard for safety, they meet or exceed all local and state fire code regulations, and Anchors are used by neighboring districts, eliminating the need for additional first responder training.

The barricades lock within seconds. This is important because the most dangerous time during an armed intruder event is when a teacher is standing just inside the classroom door, trying to secure the room. The ability to lock the door immediately makes each individual classroom a virtually impenetrable safe zone for shelter-in-place safety.

It will cost a minimum of $250 to secure each classroom door in the district. (251 doors). The cost includes the door barricades and installation, teacher training, and signage. For more information, visit www.anchormaninc.com.

A: Bungee cords, screw eyes, chairs stacked in front of the doors – these are all cheap and INEFFECTIVE ways to secure a classroom. We owe more to the safety of our students and teachers in the event of a lockdown emergency.

A: It’s a political world, and we get these questions a lot. Short answer – no and no. We are not lobbying to restrict the rights of gun owners. We don’t spend sponsorship or donation money on political campaigns, politicians, or lobbying for legislation of any kind. Our letter-writing campaigns are focused on making schools safer – whatever that entails.

However, we also do not support arming teachers within school buildings. This is not a political stand on our part – it is simply not part of our outlined objectives as a committee. We feel the need to address this here to be completely up front about the intended use of donations and sponsorship money.

A: We need volunteers. We need people to pass out flyers, help with letter writing campaigns, organize student events, plan fundraisers, donate raffle items, walk in parades and SO MUCH MORE. Your contributions can make a huge difference – a life saving difference – for our kids. Let us know you’re interested and we’ll put you to work! Contact us HERE.

A: Metal detectors were part of our founding goal, however the Geneva Board of Education has determined that metal detectors are too time consuming for staff to man, too big to accommodate within the school buildings, and too expensive to maintain. For these reasons, we have dropped the purchase of metal detectors from our mission.