Safety & Security
Safety & Security in District 95 Schools
Director of Safety & Security
Ms. Stevens is the 2023 National Safety Director of the Year through Campus Safety Magazine. The same year, she was awarded with Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95’s highest honor, the Gary W. Robillard Award, for being a visible, approachable, and growth-focused member of the school community who is highly responsive and willing to listen to concerns and feedback from all stakeholders. She works with other agencies and partner organizations on new and innovative safety measures, and additionally serves on the National Center for Spectator and Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) Advisory Committee.Safety Information for District Families
In addition to the resources below, monthly safety topics will be highlighted throughout the school year. To see a list of the monthly safety topics that will be highlighted, please click here to visit the Safety Resources page in the Family Resource Center.
- Letter to Families: Safety & Security in District 95 Schools
- Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
- Reunification
- Emergency Alert Notifications
- School Violence Reporting
- Traffic Safety & Parking Lot Safety
- Human Trafficking
- Firearm Storage Safety
- Past Safety Presentations
Letter to Families: Safety & Security in District 95 Schools
Dear District 95 Families,
Student, staff, family and community members’ health safety are a top priority within Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95. Many initiatives and enhancements are in place and in progress as the District examines safety components of our school district’s safety and security planning. The following are some of the most significant:
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Secured entry, several layers of physical barriers at all schools are in place as a portion of a total “target hardening” approach directed at denying or limiting access.
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Raptor Visitor Management both registers and screens every campus visitor, volunteer, and contractor so that school officials know precisely who is entering their buildings.
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Custom ID Lanyards allow staff to recognize staff and students immediately and thus enables us to recognize any person who should not be on our campus.
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Card Access Control Security Systems protect our buildings from intruders both during the school day and after hours.
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A web based, confidential Safe2Help “Tip Line” provides an opportunity for reporting of concerns regarding bullying, harassment, weapons, drugs and other potentially dangerous issues. While this is not intended to replace 9-1-1 calls or face-to-face contact, it does afford another option to our students and their families.
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School Resource Officer (SRO) is a vital part of school-based security. With an officer assigned who is available to quickly respond as needed throughout our district.
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Emergency preparedness is essential for schools to be safe. Staff and students are trained in uniform classroom responses. Weather events, fires, accidents, intruders, and other threats to student safety are scenarios that must be planned and trained for by school and district administration and staff.
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AED’s (Automatic External Defibrillators) and Bleeding Control Kits are installed in all school facilities to provide emergency aid to students, staff, and visitors.
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Threat assessment protocols are essential so that schools have specific procedures in place to determine the appropriate reaction and safeguards, if any, for any reported danger.
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Partnering with community, law enforcement and other emergency services and a well-conceived School Emergency Crisis Plan is perhaps the most important consideration in any school safety program. District 95 is fortunate to have the support of outstanding and advanced services delivered by highly qualified personnel.
This webpage contains safety information and resources for our families.
Sincerely,
Kelley Gallt
Superintendent
Danielle Stevens
Director of Safety & Security
Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
Standard Response Protocol
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 values the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors. A uniform, planned, and practiced response to any incident is the foundation of a safe school. In 2022, District 95 adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). The SRP is based on an all-hazards approach - as opposed to individual scenarios - and utilizes clear common language while allowing for flexibility in responses during a crisis situation. There are five specific actions that can be performed during an incident: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
The SRP’s development is ever-evolving, created with extensive collaboration between experts such as first responders, public safety, schools, districts, and communities. Its tactics are data-driven, researched and based on experience and best practices.
For more information visit the I Love U Guys Foundation Website at SRP ♥ The "I Love U Guys" Foundation.
Additional Resources
Reunification
Reunification
In 2022, Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 adopted the Standard Reunification Method (SRM). Crisis recovery starts with the crisis, not after. It is critical to have a plan in place to reunite students and parents in order to lessen the stress and potential trauma of a crisis situation, as well as to ensure District accountability for each student in its care. No school is immune to emergencies such as fires, floods, tornadoes, blizzards, power outages, bomb threats, or acts of violence. This is just a short list of events that could initiate a release and reunification for a school or district.
If a parent or guardian is notified that a reunification is needed, it is important to bring identification to the reunification site to streamline the process. Additionally, it is important to remember to be patient. Reunification is a process that protects both the safety of the student and provides for an accountable change of custody from the school to a guardian – and can take time.
For more information click here to visit the I Love U Guys Foundation Website.
Additional Resources
Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma12-4732.pdf
Emergency Alert Notifications
Emergency Alert Notifications
Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 communicates regularly with parents using a mass electronic messaging system. Parents will receive automated phone calls, text messages, and emails during school emergencies. If families are not receiving messages, check to ensure that the correct phone and email address are on file. It is critical that the District has correct contact information for families during an emergency; please make sure to update any school emergency contact information for each child each time the information changes.
Please do not attempt to call the school during an emergency, the District will contact families with the information as soon as possible. Although there are people assigned to answer phones at school, these lines are likely to be overloaded during an emergency and are not the best source of information. Keep your phone with you during emergencies to receive updates.
For school emergency information, check the district website and watch for communications from the district to your phone or email.
Depending on the emergency, families may not be able to get close to the school and may be asked to wait in a safe area. If it is hazardous for students to be released, everyone will be kept inside the school until notified by the authorities that it is safe outside. Schools will act with the safety of students in mind, and school officials will always follow the directives of the police department and the fire department.
School Violence Reporting
School Violence Reporting
A student or parent should report potential crimes, acts of violence, weapons, or other serious violations of school policy immediately to a trusted adult in the school, or in the case of an emergency, by reporting it to 9-1-1. A trusted adult may be a teacher, dean, school counselor, school resource officer, or principal. Calling 9-1-1 or confiding in trusted adult are the best ways to share information about school violence.
If students feel they are unable to talk to a trusted adult, the School Violence Tipline 1-800-477-0024 is a means for students or parents to anonymously report threats of violence and weapons violations on school grounds. The tipline is answered by trained Illinois State Police telecommunicators who will refer the reports to local law enforcement agencies. Additional information is available at: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/children/tiplinefacts.html
Safe2Help Illinois: 24/7 Helpline
Call (844) 472-3345 OR text SAFE2 to 72332
Safe2Help Illinois features a 24/7 helpline (1-844-4-SAFEIL), a free mobile app, a text feature, and a dedicated website (www.Safe2Helpil.com).
A QR code for Safe2Help is available on the back of student ID cards in grades 6-12. The Safe2Help program offers students, teachers, staff and parents a safe and confidential way to share information that may help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence, and other threats to student safety. The helpline is staffed by specially-trained safety professionals, and students can use the helpline to share concerns about themselves or others.
Safe2Help SMS Terms and Conditions
- The State of Illinois has developed a school safety program called Safe2Help Illinois to raise awareness of 21st-century threats facing school children in Illinois. Safe2Help Illinois is a 24/7 program where students can use a free app, text/phone, website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com) and other social media platforms to report school safety issues in a confidential environment.
- You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text "STOP" to the short code. After yuo send the SMS message "STOP" to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you wan to join again, just send us a text on SAFE2(72232) as you did the first time, and we will start responding to your SMS messages again.
- If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly at (844) 4723345.
- As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider.
- If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our privacy policy.
Additional Resources
Bullying Prevention https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/how-to-prevent-bullying
School Violence Prevention for Parents https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/school-violence-prevention/school-violence-prevention-tips-for-parents-and-educators
Social Emotional Wellness: https://www.lz95.org/departments/student-services/social-emotional-wellness
Talking to Children About Violence https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers
Safe2Help https://www.safe2helpil.com/
Suicide Prevention Lifeline https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Traffic Safety & Parking Lot Safety
Traffic Pattern and Parking Lot Safety
School parking lots are incredibly busy in the morning and after dismissal. Safety is a primary concern of the school staff, but it requires everyone's participation to ensure a safe and orderly process. Arrival and departure are not just about drop-off and pick-up by car. It also encompasses the students who walk, take the bus, or ride bikes to school.
Drop-off and Pick-up by Car
Please remember the following guidelines when dropping off or picking up students:
- The curb is a place to drop-off and pick-up only. Do not park and leave the car at the curb.
- To drop-off, please pull forward in a single line until arriving at the curb in front of the building.
- To pick-up, please stay in the vehicle and move forward to the curb when the car(s) ahead in line advance. Students may enter their cars when they arrive at the curb.
- Please follow the directions of building staff.
- Do not drop students off or pick them up in the lane farthest from the curb or behind parked cars. This prevents students from crossing traffic or being hidden behind cars.
- Always cross at a crosswalk when available.
- Please stay off the phone during drop off and pick up times.
- Maintain a slow speed.
- Designated handicap spaces need to be available for those who truly need that special access. Do not park there unless a state-approved permit is displayed. It is a violation of the law and subject to a fine.
- Most importantly, pay attention. It is critically important to always drive with care.
Please contact the building principal with any questions about the existing drop-off/pick-up systems organized by the school.
Walking to School
Pedestrian Safety Tips
- Make sure students have a safe route before allowing them to walk to school.\
- Always cross at a crosswalk when available.
- Avoid darting out between cars.
- Stop at the curb before crossing the street.
- Walk, don’t run, across the street.
- Look LEFT, RIGHT and LEFT again before crossing.
- Walk facing traffic.
- Make sure drivers see all pedestrians before crossing in front of them.
- Cross at least 10 feet in front of a school bus.
For more resources and information on safe routes to school, visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/.
Bus Safety for Students
- Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the assigned pickup time. Never run in front of, next to, or behind the bus.
- Wait in line for the school bus on the sidewalk.
- Keep hands and feet to self at the bus stop.
- Wait for the bus to stop completely and the door has opened before approaching the bus. Always stay away from the wheels. Get on the bus in a single file line and hold onto the handrail.
- Students should report to their assigned seat quickly. While riding the bus, face forward and keep the aisles clear. Talk quietly.
- Always listen to the bus driver.
- Keep head or hands (and other body parts) inside the bus at all times.
- Know where the emergency exits are, but do not play with them.
- Wait for the bus to stop completely before leaving the seat. Then, get off the bus in a single file line. Use the handrail when getting off the bus.
- When getting off, students should take five (5) giant steps away from the bus to ensure the driver can see them/is aware of their presence. (If students can’t see the driver’s eyes, they cannot see the student.)
- NEVER run back to get a forgotten item on the bus or pick up something dropped under the bus. NEVER bend down near or under the bus.
- If students must cross in front of the bus, they should always cross at least 10 feet (5 giant steps) and make sure that the driver can see them. Students should wait for the driver’s signal to cross, look both ways, and then cross the street carefully. Do not run.
For more resources and information on safe routes to school, visit the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety and District 95 Transportation https://www.lz95.org/departments/transportation/.
Biking to School
Bike Safety
For those who bike to school, below are several resources with important messages on bicycle safety.
Bicycle Safety Resources
Bicycle Safer Journey https://www.pedbikeinfo.org/bicyclesaferjourney/
The Federal Highway Administration
Helping Your Child Be a Safe Bicyclist: http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Parents_Bike_Safety_Tips.pdf
National Center for Safe Routes to School
En Español – Ayudando a su hijo a ser un ciclista seguro: http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Parents_Bike_Safety_Tips-Espanol.pdf
Ride Your Bike Safely
National Center for Safe Routes to School
En Español – Andar en tu bicicleta con seguridad
Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
ABC Quick Check (Offers a child-oriented quick check to perform before every bike ride)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Ideas to Promote Bicycle Safety
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Bike Safety Resources
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Be a Roll Model!
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Illinois State Police Bike Safety Flyer
Additional Resources
Promoting school safety creates an open space for kids to explore, learn and grow. Please see below for additional teen driving resources.
https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/teen-safety
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html
https://ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/teen_driver_safety/gdl.html
Railroad Safety https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/railroad-crossing
Please visit the Student Services Department webpage for additional information on student safety and health/well-being topics.
Human Trafficking
What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against his/her will. Force, fraud, or coercion need not be present if the individual engaging in commercial sex is under 18 years of age.
Please click here for more information or to access the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Firearm Storage Safety
At Lake Zurich CUSD 95, the safety and well-being of our school community is our top priority. In collaboration with local first responders, the district is committed to delivering essential information regarding safe firearm storage.
Families interested in learning more about this topic may visit Project ChildSafe. This initiative is committed to providing educators (including firearm instructors and K-12 teachers) and students with the resources they need to spread the message.
Past Safety Presentations
Parent Safety Forum - January 19, 2023
Parent Safety & Security Forum - August 17, 2022
District 95 School Saftey Parent Forum 2022 from C.U.S.D. 95 Lake Zurich on Vimeo.