These window coverings are designed to prevent anyone from seeing into classrooms during a lockdown situation, providing teachers and students with an additional layer of protection during an emergency.

Through previous grant funding, every classroom door in Wythe County Public Schools has been equipped with a door barricade that teachers can quickly deploy during lockdown events. The new safety shades will work hand in hand with these door barricades, further strengthening classroom security and helping protect students and staff.

These projects were made possible through the strong commitment and partnership between the Wythe County Sheriff's Office and Wythe County Public Schools to continually improve school safety and preparedness.

Sheriff Cline stated, “The safety of our students and school employees remains one of our highest priorities. While we hope these measures are never needed, it is our responsibility to ensure our schools have every available tool to protect children and staff during an emergency. This grant allows us to add another layer of security and continue building safer learning environments throughout Wythe County.”