Safety and Security
Safety and Security Overview
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
Every day school is in session, the LFHS Safety and Security Department secures the perimeter, patrols the grounds, directs traffic and monitors indoor and outdoor activities on campus. They identify and report irregularities, security breaches, safety hazards, and emergency situations.
Video Monitoring
LFHS also has a comprehensive network of internal and external security cameras that provide for supervision of the campus 24 hours a day.
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 guest access 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. The 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)
- Community Partnerships
- Illinois School Safety Drill Act
- Emergency Situation Notification/Alert Information
- Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Students
Community Partnerships
Illinois School Safety Drill Act
Emergency Situation Notification/Alert Information
Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Students
Safe2Help Confidential Reporting Tool
Safe2Help Illinois is a state-of-the-art, confidential way for students to safely report concerns such as bullying, suicide, school violence, or other threats to safety. This program, run by the State of Illinois, offers 24/7 monitoring and will alert school staff, mental health professionals, and/or local law enforcement officials, depending on the nature of the safety concern.
Key Features of Safe2Help Illinois Include:
- 24/7 access via app, text (SAFE2 to 72332), phone (844-4-SAFEIL), and the website (safe2helpil.com)
- Safe2Help confidential reporting is designed to encourage students to “Seek Help Before Harm”
- Information is shared immediately with district officials and/or local emergency services, contingent upon the situation
- A focus on prevention, not punishment, to build a culture of trust and support
To discuss a situation directly with a school administrator, please call your school office at (847) 234-3600.
We also encourage anyone with knowledge of (or concern about) possible misconduct, past or present, to email HumanResources@lfschools.net or contact local law enforcement. The Text-for-Help crisis hotline is also available at 844-823-5323 (community code: LAKECO).
As stakeholders, our parents, guardians, and families play a significant role in school safety and security. Please have regular conversations with your children about the importance of notifying school officials when they see or hear any suspicious activity involving any of our schools. It is equally important to discuss the consequences of making/implying threats, in person, or on social media.This dialogue can help our students understand the negative impact that this type of behavior can have on our schools, as well as on their friends and their future.
Additionally, parents, guardians, and families are encouraged to contact your principal, school counselor, or LFHS Educational Services if they believe their child can benefit from counseling or any other support. For more information at LFHS, please call (847) 582-7317.
Please note: The Confidential Reporting Tool is not a replacement for “Text For Help” The CRT is an in-house program monitored and managed by LFHS Administrators. Students interested in contacting a Licensed Clinical Social Worker should continue to use the “Text For Help” App.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. 800-273-8255 | Website
- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
- Text For Help – 24/7 anonymous support for students who need help for themselves or a friend. 1-844-823-5323 to connect with a trained counselor.
As stakeholders, our parents, guardians, and families play a significant role in school safety and security. Please have regular conversations with your children about the importance of notifying school officials when they see or hear any suspicious activity involving LFHS. It is equally important to discuss the consequences of making/implying threats, in person, or on social media.This dialogue can help our students understand the negative impact that this type of behavior can have on our schools, as well as on their friends and their future.
Additionally, parents, guardians, and families are encouraged to contact your principal, school counselor, or Educational Services if they believe their child can benefit from counseling or any other support. For more information, please call (847) 582-7317.
Please note: The Confidential Reporting Tool is not a replacement for “Text For Help” The CRT is an in-house program monitored and managed by LFHS Administrators. Students interested in contacting a Licensed Clinical Social Worker should continue to use the “Text For Help” App.
For more information, community members can contact Chuck Walsh, Director of Safety and Security at 847-582-7445 or cwalsh@lfschools.net
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
- School violence or threats
- Weapons
- Bullying and harassment
- Drug activity
- Other issues affecting students
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. 800-273-8255 | Website
- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
- Text For Help – 24/7 anonymous support for students who need help for themselves or a friend. 1-844-823-5323 to connect with a trained counselor.
Charles "Chuck" Walsh
Director of Safety and Security
Districts 67 and 115
cwalsh@lfschools.net
847-582-7445
Rick Anderson
District 115 Assistant Director of Safety and Security
LFHS East Campus, LFHS West Campus
randerson@lfschools.net
John Teichman
Department Assistant
jteichman@lfschools.net
James Athanas
Safety and Security Officer
jathanas@lfschools.net
Antwaun Burse-Harris
Safety and Security Officer
aburse-harris@lfschools.net
Robert Lonergan
Safety and Security Officer
rlonergan@lfschools.net
Det. Mark Long
LFHS East Campus, LFHS West Campus
mlong@lfschools.net
Resources
Information on emergency preparedness can be found at the following websites:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Stop Bullying
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Lake County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
- K-12 School Security Practices Guide
- School Safety and Security
- Talking to Kids About School Safety
- American Red Cross
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agenc