Dear District 57 Families:
It has been wonderful having students and staff back in the classroom engaged in learning! The collaborative spirit of our district - students, staff, parents - has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am excited to watch this year unfold.
As we begin this school year, I would like to take a few moments to review the district’s safety and security plans. Ensuring safe schools is our top priority. While we are always mindful not to share information publicly that could compromise the safety of our schools, I can share with you that our process includes thorough assessment, action plans, and evaluation.
The process we use to develop, monitor, and improve our safety and security plan includes:
- Comprehensive Safety Audit which was completed in Spring 2021
- Annual Health/Life Safety Inspection by the Regional Office of Education
- Annual State Fire Marshall Inspection
- Mount Prospect Police Department School Liaisons
- Review of Best Practice Research and Policy Briefs
We address safety in three broad categories: behavioral and mental health, facility security, and emergency response protocols. Below are details in each category:
Behavioral and Mental Health
- School psychologists and social workers provide behavioral and mental health services to students at every school. There are systems in place that alert our mental health professionals to any potential student service needs.
- Every grade has weekly social-emotional lessons to help support the development of a growth mindset and goal-setting; emotion management; empathy and kindness; and problem-solving.
- The district collaborates with and refers to community organizations to support the social-emotional needs of students and families.
- The district is implementing behavior threat assessment procedures, which is established by state law. A threat assessment team of administrators, school-based mental health professionals, local law enforcement partners, teachers, and a school counselor is being trained to address potential threats and develop response plans on a case-by-case basis.
- In addition to utilizing GoGuardian for content filtering, the district has added GoGuardian Beacon on all student devices. The Beacon system analyzes online activity in real-time for students that may be at risk of suicide, self-harm, or potential harm to others.
Facility Security
- Access to every school is controlled. Hardened entrances have electronic doors, exterior cameras, a visitor check-in system that includes a background check, badges for all personnel, and key control.
- Each building features intrusion alarms with 24/7 monitoring.
- Strategic installation of protective shatter-proof film on glass.
- Visible outdoor supervisors during arrival and dismissal times.
- Interior door-locking mechanisms in classrooms.
- Grab-and-go emergency plans, maps, and backpacks with supplies.
Emergency Response Protocols
- Staff undergo annual emergency response training.
- In consultation with the Mount Prospect Police Department, we have adopted options-based intruder response practices.
- D57 developed Crisis Preparedness Plans in consultation with the Mount Prospect emergency responders.
- Annual drills conducted in partnership with local police and emergency responders. These include:
- Evacuation
- Inclement weather
- Lockdown
- Law enforcement and emergency responders have access to and are familiar with our facilities, and can gain access in an emergency situation.
- Relocation sites are established for each school. Please see below for each school’s relocation site.
School | Relocation Site |
Lincoln Middle School | St. Raymond (300 S. Elmhurst) |
Fairview School | Prospect High School (801 W. Kensington) |
Lions Park School | Lions Recreation Center (411 S. Maple) |
Westbrook School | Bosch Tool Corporation (1800 W. Central) |
Important Note Regarding Emergency Response Protocols
Should an emergency situation occur, we need your cooperation and assistance. While it is every parent’s instinct to go to the school, please understand that no one will be allowed in a school or out of school in a lockdown situation. Coming to the school will impede an emergency response.
You will be notified via text, phone, and email through our emergency communications system with information and instructions. Information will also be posted on the district website and social media as soon as possible. If students need to be reunified with families they will only be released to their parents or authorized guardians listed on their emergency contact list. If you need to update any contact information, please contact your school’s front office team. We ask for your cooperation and understanding as we will work to respond swiftly and effectively in an emergency situation.
I hope this letter provides you with a brief overview of the measures in place should the district be faced with an emergency situation. School safety and security must be a shared priority between students, staff, parents, community members, and local authorities. We all share the common goal of keeping our students and staff safe.
Respectfully,
Dr. Mary Gorr
Superintendent of School