At Harvard School District 50, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our number one priority each day. We believe that a secure environment is fundamental to the growth, learning, and success of everyone within our community. Whether in the classroom, on the playground, or extra-curricular activities, we are dedicated to ensuring that all individuals feel protected and supported every day.

Every school has a comprehensive emergency and crisis plan that details responses to a variety of crisis situations.  This includes regular safety drills, well-trained security personnel, advanced surveillance systems, a district wide School Resource Officer (SRO), and a Director of Safety & Security. By fostering a culture of awareness and proactive planning, we ensure that our schools remain a safe and welcoming place for all.

Among the areas of focus for the Office of Safety and Security are the physical security of buildings, safety response protocols, training with staff and students, proactive planning, liaising with law enforcement agencies, fire agencies, and emergency communications.

Harvard District 50 Proactive Safety Measures:

• Student Helpline

• Dedicated Safety Staff: Director of Safety & Security, 1 district School Resource Officer, high school security staff, a district wide evening security staff. In addition, safety committees and subcommittees throughout the district and schools.

• Exterior and interior building security enhancements, such as video-secured entries, security cameras across the district

• Web-activity monitoring system to ensure online safety for students and staff

• Raptor Technologies visitor management system

• Routine, state mandated practice of safety drills in cooperation with local police & fire agencies

• Direct feedback and compliance reports to school administrators on all completed drills

• Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) and designated CERP teams in all district buildings

• Annual review of Emergency Operation Plans

First and foremost, please be aware that students and parents play an important role in keeping our schools safe.  If you are aware of an issue, we ask that you report it to the school or district immediately.  To report a potential hazard, click here. If this is an immediate life or death emergency, please call 911.  While you can provide feedback anonymously, it is always best to provide us with a name or contact information in case we need clarification or additional information. 

Beyond the existing programs aimed specifically at students, the district offers training to parents about a variety of topics including healthy relationships, bully, suicide, nutrition, study skills, and other related themes at the annual Parent University event which is hosted each year in February, the half-day event is a great resource for parents regardless of their student’s grade level.

We work proactively with our students, staff, and local law enforcement agencies to continuously improve the safety and security of our facilities.  Visit the other links to learn more about our school safety plans.

Contacts:

Justin Leibach, Director of Safety and Security jleibach@cusd50.org

815-943-4022 ext. 12102