Student Safety & Security
Trinity Academy is committed to providing an environment where students are physically secure, digitally protected, and cared for within a Christ-centered community.
Physical Security
Trinity prioritizes a safe and secure physical environment.
- Controlled campus access and monitored visitor entry
- Driver’s licenses scanned against state and national sex offender registries before visitor entry
- Secure doors, alarms, cameras, fire systems, and medical response equipment
- Daily patrols across Trinity’s 75-acre campus
- Security coverage for various school events and activities
- Regular practice of emergency drills and procedures
- Standardized incident response and reporting systems
Staff Preparedness
Safety is strengthened when students are surrounded by trained and confident adults.
All staff undergo thorough screening, including:
- Detailed applications and work history review
- Multiple personal and professional reference checks
- National criminal and sex offender background checks
All staff receive ongoing training, including:
- Emergency response procedures
- Standard Response Protocol and Standard Reunification Method training through the I Love U Guys Foundation
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification
- Active Violence Response Training
Clear guidelines are established for staff regarding the following:
- The “Rule of 3” — students are never left alone with a single adult; at least one other student or adult is always present
- Strict policies regarding phone contact, social media, transportation and one-on-one meetings with students
Trinity uses resources from the “I Love U Guys” Foundation as part of its staff preparedness training. You can learn more about the organization here.
Culture
At Trinity Academy, safety is not only about systems and procedures — it is also about culture. We are committed to fostering an environment shaped by the following:
- Clear, transparent communication from school administration
- Age-appropriate instruction for students on recognizing, resisting, and reporting inappropriate behavior when something feels wrong or unsafe.
Students are encouraged to report concerns to a trusted adult, administrator, or security personnel. Safety/security/medical incidents may also be reported digitally at this link.
Digital Security
Our goal is not only to protect students online, but also to equip them to navigate the digital world with discernment and integrity.
- Protected school systems and secure digital platforms
- Internet filtering and monitored network access
- Age-appropriate technology guidelines and expectations
- Partnership with parents to encourage wise technology use
Meet Our Security Director: Cory Benda
Trinity Academy’s commitment to safety is strengthened by the leadership and oversight of Security Director Cory Benda. Benda works closely with school leadership, faculty, staff, and local emergency personnel to ensure that Trinity’s safety practices remain proactive, comprehensive, and continually improving.
Benda is more than just a security guard at Trinity. He oversees all aspects of school safety, including areas like cybersecurity and camera systems. His responsibilities include:
- Emergency preparedness and response planning
- Campus patrol and event security coordination
- Oversight of physical security systems and equipment
- Staff training and safety certifications
- Incident response, reporting, and investigation
- Continuous review and improvement of campus safety procedures
Cory Benda brings a diverse background in security:
- Extensive experience training people across multiple fields including Marine Corps, Air Traffic Operations, Drone Operations, CPR/AED, and Active Violence Training
- Provided comprehensive security for Department of Defense contract sites
- Provided security for a church whose mission included engaging those who were struggling — homeless, suicidal, on drugs, or facing mental health issues — while treating all people with dignity
- Currently licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) in the state of Kansas
- Served nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of staff sergeant as an air traffic controller. Held leadership roles including operations chief, tower supervisor, and uniformed victim advocate
- Served as a fire protection specialist
- Deployed to Afghanistan and served with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
- Currently pursuing a cybersecurity and information assurance degree
- Uniformed Victim Advocate in the Marine Corps — responsible for training and receiving reports from victims of sexual assault
Under his leadership, Trinity continues to prioritize a secure environment where students can learn, grow, and flourish with confidence.