Lexington County parents may worry about sending their children to school – with good reason.

4 more school threats were reported last week.

That’s in addition to the 3 prior threats at Pelion Middle, White Knoll High and Meadow Glen Middle schools since Aug. 12.

What are school districts doing to keep children safe at schools?

Districts 3 in Batesburg-Leesville and 5 in Chapin and Irmo responded to Chronicle email requests.

District 3 spokesperson Mackenzie Taylor said, “We focus a lot of time and effort on school safety training and best communication practices among administrators, school staff members, School Resource Officers and students.

“We are implementing ‘STOPit Solutions,’ an electronic application to anonymously and quickly report threats or incidents to administrators. This could be anything from bullying or drug possession to weapons possession or threats of violence,” she said.

There’s also a web version. You can read more about the program at https://stopitsolutions.com/stopit-app/ .

Until the app is released, the district encourages anyone with information about threats or violent situations to contact the district office at 803-532-4423 or the affected school office.

District 5 spokesperson Katrina Goggins said, “We ask our teachers to report all perceived threats and report those to law enforcement immediately.

“With more than 360 drills, close coordination with law enforcement and School Resource Officers in every school, District 5 has taken several steps to make schools safe.”

The district’s Safety Officers provide training for school staff and conduct several drills with students and staff, including drills for shelter-in-place, fire and lockout situations.

More information can be found at www.lexrich5.org/safety .

If you have specific concerns or you can contact your child’s school principal or District 5’s Office of Planning and Administration at 803-476-8121.