Safety and Security
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Mr. Walsh graduating from the Lake Forest Police Department's Fall 2023 Citizens Police Academy!
Safety and Security Overview
Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 and Lake Forest Community High School District 115 (LFHS) believes that safe schools are the result of a coordinated, collaborative effort between all District stakeholders. This includes school staff, local law enforcement, emergency first responders, community members, parents, and most importantly, students. We proactively engage these stakeholders to create a safe and productive learning environment throughout our District.
The safety and security programs in both Districts are concentrated in five key areas:
- Facilities and Infrastructure
- Policies and Procedures
- Culture and Climate
- Training and Education
- Community Partnerships
Video Monitoring at LFHS
LFHS also has a comprehensive network of internal and external security cameras that provide for supervision of the campus 24 hours a day.
Incident Command System in District 67
Every District 67 school building has an Incident Command System (ICS) in place which provides overall direction and sets priorities for an emergency. Functions are assigned to school administrators and staff with specific roles and responsibilities to assist in the management of a crisis.
Secured Access to Buildings
All exterior doors in every school building are locked during the school day. Access to school buildings after the regular school day schedule is restricted to athletics and extracurricular activities and events. Areas of the building not open to the public will be secured and entry is prohibited.
Visitor Management
All school building visitors are screened in a secure vestibule through the Raptor Technologies Visitor Management System that requires visitors to scan a valid driver's license prior to obtaining a badge to enter the school. The software immediately alerts personnel should a visitor be identified as a risk. This System also allows school officials to enter information on Orders of Protection, Trespass Notices, or other community alerts. Once approved, they must sign in and out of the front office.
Visitors are expected to comply with all Board of Education policies and school conduct procedures. Visitors to and Conduct on School Property (Board Policy 8:30)
Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Students
To create a safe learning environment, schools must care for the “whole child.” LFHS is committed to the social and emotional well-being of our students. This is accomplished by providing timely and compassionate interventions for students who struggle socially or emotionally. By establishing a responsive school culture, with varied resources and strong support systems, LFHS ensures the healthy growth and development of our students. This translates to improved academic outcomes and increased safety and security.
If an emergency incident occurs, a Crisis Response Team will be activated at the school to help students and staff cope with its emotional impact.
Additional Resources
https://www.stopbullying.gov/
https://www.samhsa.gov/
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2228/Emergency-Management-Agency
https://www2.illinois.gov/ready/SiteCollectionDocuments/K-12SchoolSecurityPracticesGuide.pdf
https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/school-safety-and-security
https://www.mhanational.org/talking-kids-about-school-safety
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Charles "Chuck" Walsh
Director of Safety and Security
Districts 67 and 115
cwalsh@lfschools.net
847-582-7445Community Partnerships
District 115 maintains active partnership and cooperation with local organizations through the LFHS Safety Committee—a group of District leaders, staff members, local law enforcement and safety personnel—who meet quarterly and have been instrumental in building community partnerships that ensure a safe school.
Lake Forest Police Department (LFPD) and School Resource Officers (SROs)
Districts 67 and 115 each employ one full-time SRO to increase security and serve as a law enforcement liaison for the schools. The SROs undergo specialized training related to juvenile justice and are certified to work with youth. The SROs operate under the SRO Triad Model endorsed by the National School Resource Officers Association (NASRO). By serving as a mentor/informal counselor, educator, and law enforcement officer, the SRO is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the school communities by maintaining order on the school campuses, reducing the fear of crime within the schools, enforcing the law, aiding in the creation and implementation of effective emergency plans, bridging the gap between youth and law enforcement, and creating positive impressions that transcend the school environment. These officers also help troubled youth change behaviors that might otherwise lead to involvement with the criminal justice system.
District 115 SRO
Det. Mark Long
LFHS East Campus, LFHS West Campus
mlong@lfschools.netDistrict 67 SRO
Det. Misa Maj
Deer Path Middle School, Cherokee Elementary School, Everett Elementary School, and Sheridan Elementary School
mmaj@lfschools.netLake Forest Fire Department
The Lake Forest Fire Department regularly reviews and participates in our fire and severe weather drills.
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