Our schools are not only learning spaces for our students but also public places for the benefit of our families and communities. We strive to provide a safe school environment that is open and welcoming for visitors and visibly secure for our students and staff. All Harvard CUSD 50 buildings will utilize a visitor management system called Raptor.  The system only scans your name, date of birth, and photo for comparison with a national database of registered sex offenders and any private alerts at the school.  No additional visitor information is gathered, and no data will be shared with any outside company.  The system is designed to increase safety for our students and staff by screening visitors, contractors, and volunteers. 

Visitor Guidelines and Procedures

During the school day, we aim to provide an environment free of disruption for our students and staff. Visits should be limited to those directly related to student wellbeing and parent/guardian involvement in their students’ education.

During the school day, visitors are subject to the following procedures:

• All schools are accessible only via the secured main entrance (front door or door 1).

• All District 50 property visitors must press the call button outside the front door, state their purpose for visiting, and wait to be buzzed into the building.

• All visitors must provide valid ID and be scanned into the Raptor Visitor Management System, which will run an instant background check.

  • Accepted forms of ID include: Driver's License, Consular ID, Passport Card, Active Military Card, Green Card, State Identification Card

• Visitors with histories that appear on the Raptor check will be either denied access to the building, limited to conducting business in the front office, or provided with limited, escorted access to other parts of the building as is necessitated by circumstances and/or applicable law.

• All District 50 schools are designated as gun-free, tobacco-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free zones to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone

Raptor Visitor Management Q & A

What if I don’t have a government-issued ID?
Our Central Office can issue you a designated district ID that will grant you access to buildings. You can provide proof of identification through a letter from your employer, letter from your landlord, letter from a medical care provider or transcript identifying you.

What if I’m dropping off my child, homework or lunch? Do I still need to sign in?
A visitor’s badge is not necessary for those who visit our schools to drop off an item in the office or pick up paperwork. The new process grants access into the school beyond the main office.

What if I forget my ID?
If you forget your ID the building administrator will meet with you to create a plan for your visit.

After-Hours Visitors

Harvard District 50 buildings are routinely in use after school hours for a variety of both school- and community-sponsored activities. All users of our facilities are subject to applicable procedures as dictated by the District in specific usage agreements.

• After-hours visitors must remain in areas of the building specified for use.

• Access to other parts of the building is not allowed.

• After-hours visitors must follow the instructions given by school district personnel on hand to supervise events.

• Visitors accede to the understanding that our schools are equipped with video surveillance systems in use at all times.

• Visitors accede to the understanding that District properties may be actively monitored by District personnel and/or law enforcement agencies within their respective jurisdictions.

Visitors that don’t comply with district policies and procedures may be asked to leave the premises, and future banned from school properties.