Safety and Security
Framework for Safety and Security
Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 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 and schools.
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
Incident Command System
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.
Visitor Management
All school building visitors are screened in a secure vestibule through a 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)
Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Students
To create a safe learning environment, schools must care for the “whole child.” District 67 is committed to the social and emotional well-being of our students. By establishing a responsive school culture, with varied resources and strong support systems, D67 schools strive for the healthy growth and development 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.
District 67:
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Cherokee - (847) 234-3805
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Everett - (847) 234-5713
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Sheridan - (847) 234-1160
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DPM-East - (847) 615-4470
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DPM-West - (847) 604-7400
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.
For more information, community members can contact JoAnn Ford-Halvorsen, Director of Student Services, jfordhalvorsen@lfschools.net or 847-582-9662.
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
Charles "Chuck" Walsh
Director of Safety and Security
Districts 67 and 115
cwalsh@lfschools.net
847-582-7445
Emergency Resources
Additional information on emergency preparedness can be found at the following websites:
District 67 Lockdown Safety Drill Notification
As required by Illinois, schools must provide sufficient information and notification to parents and guardians in advance of any walk-through lockdown drill that involves the participation of students.
As required by the Illinois School Safety Drill Act (105 ILCS 128/20), schools must also provide parents and guardians with an opportunity to exempt their child for any reason from participating in the walk-through lockdown drill.
If your student is exempted from the drill, the school must provide alternative safety education and instruction related to an active threat or active shooter event. Students who do not participate in a walk-through lockdown drill will be provided with essential information, training, and instruction through less sensorial safety training methods.