The physical infrastructure of District 214 buildings is a key security component. District 214 has upgraded entrances and exits and camera systems. In addition, while District 214 welcomes parents, families, and community members to our schools, our buildings have limited and secured entry points. Visitors must identify themselves before being allowed to enter a building. If visiting a classroom or other area of the school beyond the main office during school hours, visitors must provide government-issued identification and undergo a Raptor screening (visitor management system). Individuals are required to wear a visitor’s badge and easily distinguishable red lanyard at all times and must be accompanied by staff while inside the building. Security cameras provide wide coverage of hallways, common areas throughout each building and on the exterior of our buildings.

District 214 regularly consults with law enforcement representatives and first responders from the municipalities within the District, drawing on their expertise to update preventive measures and emergency response plans. These consultations and conversations are ongoing, and District 214 updates its planning and response protocols accordingly. School Resource Officers, from local police departments, work full time at each school, with the purpose of facilitating, promoting, and maintaining a safe and secure learning environment within each school. In addition, District 214 encourages any community member with any specific safety or security concerns to contact a school or district office.

Each school year, District 214 students and staff participate in multiple safety drills, including at minimum one bus evacuation drill, one hard lockdown drill, three fire drills and one severe weather drill annually. These drills include staff and student response to announcements of severe weather, fire, bus evacuation and armed intruder.

By Illinois code, safety drills are observed by local fire and police agencies annually to ensure that District 214 is meeting a high standard. In addition, staff receive annual updated training in the steps they are to take in case of any type of severe weather, emergency on campus or any law enforcement activity in the surrounding neighborhood that calls for cautionary steps on campus.

District 214 engages in continual crisis planning in ways that include but are not limited to measures listed here, such as physical building security and safety drills. Extensive research indicates that relationships developed among students, staff and community members are the most vital element of safe schools. District 214 strives to ensure that each student has a meaningful, positive relationship with at least one trusted adult at school. These relationships are vital in creating an effective learning environment, reducing stress for students and creating a safe school environment.

Parent conversations with students are essential. District 214 explicitly informs students that if they ever see something or hear something that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable, they should tell an adult immediately. District 214 asks that parents and community members continue these conversations with your teens at home. District 214 teaches students to “See Something, Say Something.” If social media posts, conversations or other actions indicate someone may be planning to hurt themselves or others, students must reach out to a trusted adult immediately to report what they know.

Students and staff are encouraged to be watchful and to contact the school if they see or hear of a concern that school administrators should be aware of. District 214 encourages students and parents with concerns to speak directly with an administrator, counselor, or social worker if these situations arise. As an alternative, each school’s Tip Line phone number allows students or parents to quickly, easily, and anonymously report urgent information to school administration. The Tip Line encourages students, parents, and staff to confidentially report bullying, gang-related issues and other sensitive topics through private messages to school administration. District 214 does not support, encourage or tolerate any behavior that prevents any student from reaching their full potential. Anyone in immediate danger should contact 911 for help or assistance, rather than using the Tip Line.

School Tip Lines:

Buffalo Grove High School Tip Line

Elk Grove High School Tip Line

Hersey High School Tip Line

Prospect High School Tip Line

Rolling Meadows High School Tip Line

Specialized Schools Tip Line

Wheeling High School Tip Line

In case of emergency, District 214’s priority is to ensure student, staff and visitor safety. District 214 is aware that in some instances social media posts and texts from students to parents will precede our official communications. District 214 will communicate as much as it can as quickly as it can, with the caveat that complete details will not always be immediately known or available. Parents and guardians can expect to receive emergency notifications and updates as soon we are able to ascertain and confirm factual information. It is important that parents keep updated contact information on file for District 214 communications.

Parents are asked to please not call the school during an emergency. District 214 will contact families with information as soon as possible.  While our schools have people assigned to answer phones, these lines can be overloaded during an emergency and might not be the best source of information. Keep your phone with you during emergencies to receive updates. Check the district website and watch for communications from the district to your phone or email.

District 214 asks that parents please not drive to their student’s school during an emergency. 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 to release students. 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.

District 214 encourages parents and community members - as partners in ensuring safe schools - to read some of the many resources available that address school violence and community partnerships to foster safe learning environments. Listed below are just a few, from the National Association of School Psychologists.

• School Violence Prevention: Tips for Parents and Educators
• Talking with Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
• Care for Caregivers: Tips for Families and Educators