National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergency situations that could happen at any time.
In District 97, the physical and emotional safety of our students and staff is our highest priority every day. Throughout the month, we will share information on how the district prepares for and responds to emergencies, as well as some important tips and resources for families.
If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to the Operational Excellence Safety Team via Let's Talk. View additional safety information and resources.
A Holistic Approach
We believe in a comprehensive approach to safety that includes our entire community and is rooted in our shared interest in creating safe and supportive learning environments in our schools.
Strong Community Partnerships
District 97 leaders meet monthly with representatives from the Village of Oak Park, the Oak Park Police Department, the Oak Park Department of Public Health, and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 to coordinate the implementation of our intergovernmental agreements and strengthen our collaboration around school safety.
Common Training, Language and Visuals
This year, District 97 is utilizing the Standard Response Protocol language and visuals developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation, a national organization dedicated to school safety. The premise is simple - there are five specific actions that can be performed during an emergency incident: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. An overview of these protocols can be viewed here. >>
All District 97 staff members are expected to attend designated safety trainings, participate in emergency drills, and review shared resources/materials on an ongoing basis.
Safety Drills
One of the most important things we do to keep our schools safe is practice a variety of drills each year to ensure that everyone is prepared should an emergency occur. This includes: three fire drills (including one with the fire department present to observe and provide feedback), one severe weather drill, one bus evacuation drill, and one law enforcement drill (more commonly referred to as a lockdown drill). Additional details about the lockdown drill will be shared directly by your student’s school.
Threat Assessment Teams
District 97 schools now have Threat Assessment Teams composed of administrators, social workers, other school staff and Oak Park police. These teams will meet regularly and as needed throughout the year to review safety procedures.
Series adapted from Downers Grove School District 58.