SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- While National School Walkout Day demonstrations are taking place Wednesday, the Syracuse City School District will be dismissing students early so that teachers and staff can undergo safety training.

All 32 schools will receive active shooter and emergency response training, with the theme being "run, hide, fight."

They'll also be going over each building's layouts and exits, highlighting de-escalation and situational awareness.

The district says it's being proactive in response to the recent uptick in school related violence and threats across the country.

"There's a lot of anxiety in society in general obviously about active shooter situations and or terroristic threats.  So this is an opportunity for everyone to get together and talk,” said SCSD Public Safety Director Thomas Ristoff.

District officials say the next step will be to train students.