Safety and Security
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The safety of our students, staff, and visitors is always a top priority for District 20.
Ensuring a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
At District 20, we believe that a safe school is essential for students to thrive academically and personally. Our schools are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where learning can happen without the fear of intimidation, violence, or harm. We are committed to providing a safe space where students can focus on their education and personal growth.
Our Collaborative Approach to School Safety
Safety at District 20 is a community effort. We partner closely with local emergency responders, community members, social service organizations, parents, students, staff, and administrators to maintain and improve school safety. This collaborative approach helps us create a secure learning environment for every student.
Our Multi-Tiered Safety Strategy
District 20 has developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure both school safety and emergency preparedness. This is outlined in our Emergency Operations Plan, which covers all aspects of personal safety, including physical safety and social-emotional well-being. Our approach addresses the four key phases of emergency and disaster management:
- Prevention: Implementing measures to avoid, deter, or stop potential incidents before they occur.
- Preparation: Taking steps to protect students, staff, visitors, and property from potential natural or man-made threats, and minimizing the likelihood or impact of an incident.
- Response: Activating necessary measures to stabilize a situation, save lives, and establish a safe and secure environment for everyone.
- Recovery: Supporting the restoration of a positive learning environment following any incident.
Resources for Parents
This section of our website provides answers to common questions regarding school safety and security. Please keep in mind that to protect the integrity of our emergency plans, not all details can be shared publicly. However, if you have any specific concerns or questions that aren't covered here, please don't hesitate to reach out to your school or contact the district office at info@esd20.org.
School safety is a shared responsibility. We thank the Keeneyville District 20 community for helping to keep our schools safe!
- How does District 20 prepare for school emergencies?
- How can Parents/Guardians prepare for school emergencies?
- How does District 20 respond to emergencies?
- How does District 20 communicate emergency information?
- What should Parents/Guardians do during an emergency situation a school?
- Visitor Procedures & Building Security
- Safety Drills & Practice
- Preventative Measures and Mental Health Supports
- Digital Safety
- Transportation Safety
- School Safety is a Shared Responsibility - SEE Something, SAY Something! REPORT BULLYING & SAFETY CONCERNS
How does District 20 prepare for school emergencies?
Safe school planning is an ongoing, dynamic, comprehensive, evaluative, and constantly evolving process. Professional development and collaborative partnerships are necessary for the success of the safety plan and emergency management efforts, including prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery procedures. District 20's safe school planning involves an ongoing working relationship with local emergency responders, community members, social service networks, parents, students, and staff.
We meet annually with first responders from Hanover Park, Roselle, and Bloomingdale and, as needed, review District 20's emergency management and crisis response plan and procedures. Based on national emergency response best practices and our schools and community's unique safety needs, updates are also recommended.
District 20 has a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to identifying, investigating, assessing, and handling potential threats to students, staff, and our school community. All reported threats of harm are taken seriously, thoroughly investigated, and managed using a comprehensive threat assessment process developed by a team of district and building administrators, school social workers and psychologists, teachers, and local law enforcement. The District Threat Assessment Team meets to review and update the process for handling threats to ensure best practices are utilized.
Our schools practice various safety drills yearly to ensure everyone is prepared for an emergency. These safety drills include fire, tornado/severe weather, bus evacuation, and active threat drills. They are designed to educate and prepare students and staff. Schools are cautious to avoid scaring students during drills.
If updates to district or school emergency procedures are necessary, they are communicated to administrators and principals, who review the plan with their teachers and staff at the start of the school year and as needed throughout the year.
Teachers keep copies of a summarized emergency classroom action guide, which they can quickly reference during emergencies. Substitutes also review these guides so that they are prepared.
A primary safety component of the emergency plan requires that plan details be available only to staff and emergency responders.
How can Parents/Guardians prepare for school emergencies?
Keep Your Child's Information Up to Date
In the event of a school emergency, communication from the school/district to parents/guardians will be sent via ParentSquare by email, text messaging, phone calls, and app notifications. The district may also post information on the website as pop-up alerts, in the D20 Communication Center, and on social media (@KeeneyvilleD20). All families will receive notifications regardless of whether or not they have activated their ParentSquare accounts. Alerts will be sent to the phone numbers and emails listed in Skyward and ParentSquare, so it is important for families to keep their contact information up-to-date.
Follow Visitor Rules
Exterior school doors are locked during the school day. Visitors must ring the doorbell and be visually and verbally identified via the entry camera before gaining school entry. Visitors are asked to verify their name and purpose for visiting the school before entering the building. Once approved and buzzed in, visitors must sign in at the front desk, provide a valid ID, and pick up a visitor's badge before continuing to their destination. Thank you for your cooperation!
Talk to Your Child
Use age-appropriate language to describe the importance of school safety drills in preparing for an unlikely emergency. Stress the importance of remaining calm and listening to the teacher or trusted school staff in charge during a drill or an actual emergency. Encourage your child to be vigilant and report information if they see or hear something suspicious. Please stress that it is never okay to make a threat against anyone or the school.
Create a Family Plan
School safety drills complement home safety drills. If you have not done so already, we recommend creating a family preparedness plan.
How does District 20 respond to emergencies?
While many different types of incidents could occur, they generally fall into five categories. Staff and students are trained to follow the following emergency response actions:
- HOLD (in your classroom or area)
- SECURE (get inside, lock building doors)
- LOCKDOWN (locks, lights, out of sight -- know options to RUN-HIDE-FIGHT)
- EVACUATE (to your assigned location)
- SHELTER (use hazard and safety strategy)
HOLD in Your Room or Area (Inside Hazard) procedures are used when there is a hazardous situation that does not place students and staff in imminent danger but requires containing everyone in place in the building for safety (i.e., a medical emergency, escalating student who is not perceived to be imminently dangerous). Hallways and restrooms are cleared. Classroom instruction continues as usual, but change of classroom bells will be ignored and everyone in the building is directed to remain in their current locations until "All Clear" is announced. During these situations, the school will contact families and staff information as soon as the information can be coordinated and confirmed with the appropriate emergency responder.
SECURE the Building (Outside Hazard) procedures are used when there is a hazard outside the building that requires individuals to remain inside the school building for safety (i.e., nearby policy activity, a local hazardous waste spill). Students who are outside (i.e., at recess or physical education) are brought inside. Students and staff will be asked to remain inside their classrooms or offices and continue normal instruction until told otherwise. Use of the hallways and restrooms is permitted. All exterior doors are locked, and no one is allowed to enter or exit. The building administrator may permit monitored entry/exit depending on the situation. A delayed or modified dismissal process may be required if the outside hazard occurs at dismissal time. During these situations, the school will contact families and staff as soon as the appropriate emergency responder can coordinate and confirm information.
LOCKDOWN (Active Threat) procedures are implemented when there is a serious or volatile threat to the school that could jeopardize the physical safety of students and staff (i.e., dangerous intruder in the building). During a lockdown situation, staff, students, and visitors will have to assess their situation and know their options: Run (Evacuate), Hide (Lockdown), or Fight (as a last resort). In lockdown/hide, all students and visitors are brought inside a classroom or office, windows and doors are locked, lights are turned off, and barricades are used. Everyone should remain quiet, and cell phones should be silenced. If safe evacuation is possible, students, visitors, and staff will quickly and quietly leave the building to a secure area. If safe escape or hiding is not possible, and if under imminent attack, staff have been trained that taking action to defend themselves and their students is the last resort attempt. During a lockdown/active threat situation, the district or school will contact families and staff as soon as information can be coordinated and confirmed with the appropriate emergency responder.
EVACUATION (Fire) procedures are initiated when a hazard inside the building requires relocating outside the building for safety (i.e., fire, gas leak, or other in-school hazard). Classrooms will follow evacuation procedures outlined in their emergency classroom action plan to transfer students to a designated location outside the building safely. An Off-Campus Evacuation may be necessary when circumstances require relocating students and staff to a remote site for their safety. Students will be transported, accounted for, and released to their parent/guardian when safe. The school will contact families and staff as soon as information can be coordinated and confirmed with the fire department and other emergency responders.
SHETLER-in-Place procedures are used when severe weather requires relocation within the building for safety (i.e., tornadoes and other severe weather). Designated shelters are in areas of the building that maximize the safety of occupants. Designated shelter areas may change depending on the type of emergency. Staff and students must follow instructions to use safety strategies for the specific type of incident:
- During tornado watches, all students must stay indoors, but instruction and bus service will continue.
- During a tornado warning or severe weather, all regular school activities will cease, and students will move to a designated shelter-in-place area until the warning is lifted. Students may be asked to face a wall, kneel, and be ready to cover their heads with their arms and hands to protect them from debris. Students and staff will remain at the designated area until an "all clear" is announced.
- The District will send alerts to families by email, text, phone, and app notifications if severe weather alters the school schedule or causes a safety hazard.
- Please see District 20's Inclement Weather Policy for information on winter weather/snow day procedures.
How does District 20 communicate emergency information?
District 20's top priority in a school emergency is student, staff, and visitor safety. The District works closely with the police and fire departments, and it typically takes time to gather and confirm accurate information. District 20 will communicate crisis information to families as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience!
For more significant crises or emergencies requiring the parent/guardian's immediate response (i.e., early dismissal), District 20 or your child's school will communicate with families and staff by notification sent through ParentSquare via email, text, phone call, and app notification. All parents/guardians will receive alerts, regardless of whether they have activated their ParentSquare account. It is important for parents/guardians to provide current contact information in ParentSquare or Skyward Family Access so that we can reach you with urgent alerts. Depending on the situation, the district will also share information via the district website (via pop-up alerts and D20 Communication Center) and social media (Facebook and X (Twitter) @KeeneyvilleD20).
District 20 aims to provide families and staff with as much detail and transparency as possible in our crisis communications. Please note, however, that by law, school districts cannot release confidential information or information that could compromise an investigation. If you receive an emergency message from your school or the district that does not provide details, it is likely because additional information cannot be shared. We realize that our families and staff will be on high alert when situations arise, and we will share as much information as possible in any given situation.
There may be instances when emergency responders visit your child's school that do not require communication. For example, police and fire departments often visit schools to teach lessons on school safety. If you see emergency responders at school, please do not jump to conclusions or speculate.
District 20 or your child's school will contact you if there is a safety issue. If you have questions about something that you have observed, please get in touch with your school to obtain the facts.
Please be patient: in true emergencies, it may take time to verify and coordinate information with emergency responders.
What should Parents/Guardians do during an emergency situation a school?
Stay Calm and Stay Alert
In a school emergency, please remain calm and know that school staff, district personnel, and law enforcement are working to keep your child safe. District 20 fully understands the importance of communication during an emergency, and we are prepared to provide ongoing updates. The District may provide information via emails, phone calls, district social media, and the district website based on the circumstances. Please know that the media may not always communicate accurate information. In addition, we know that many students will try to call or text their parents/guardians during an emergency. If this occurs, we ask you to remain calm and reassuring. Encourage your student to follow the directions of school staff.
Do Not Go to the School
We understand that your first instinct will be to go to the school to see your child, especially in a difficult situation. If there is a crisis, the school may be locked down, and you will not have immediate access to your child. Arriving at school before it is secure can interfere with the emergency response and put you in danger. In addition, rushing to school may create chaos and traffic that may block emergency responders from getting to the school or leaving if necessary to transport injured persons to emergency medical facilities.
Families should only come to pick up their child(ren) if they are directed to do so by District 20.
Keep Phone Lines Open
We ask that families not call the school or the district office in case of an emergency. This allows phone lines to stay open for communication with emergency personnel and school officials. It also helps school staff remain focused on the safety of the students. The school/district will communicate any information with you as soon as possible via ParentSquare by sending emails, phone calls, texting, and app notifications. Please be patient and wait for communication about the next steps.
Do Not Call the Police Department or 911
The police department will deal with the school emergency, and the dispatch line must remain open for any other emergency in the community. Calling to ask what is happening at the school will only take away from the dispatcher's ability to handle different emergencies and interrupt communication with the police on-site.
Be Prepared with your Photo ID
District 20 will follow a standard reunification plan in a school evacuation to ensure students are safely returned to their families. The district will communicate with parents/guardians/emergency contacts regarding the reunification site and provide instructions. Families and individuals listed as an authorized person to pick up your child should do the following:
- Bring a valid form of identification (ID
- Follow signage and parking directions to the reunification location
- Complete the provided reunification form
- Provide school personnel at the check-in table with a valid form of photo ID and the completed reunification form
- Wait patiently as District 20 staff retrieves and escorts your student to you
Visitor Procedures & Building Security
The District works hard to evaluate current safety practices and enhance protocols at all of our schools. School security involves multiple layers and requires the cooperation of school staff, parents, and students.
District 20 welcomes parents, families, and community members into our schools. All of our buildings have limited and secured entry points for visitors. Those visiting must identify themselves verbally and visually, and state the purpose of their visit, before being allowed to enter the building. Visitors must check-in at main office during school hours and provide government-issued identification and undergo a background check via our Raptor System. Once approved, visitors must wear a visitor badge at all times and abide by Board Policy 8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property. When outside organizations use D20 facilities, they must abide by Board Policy 8:20 Community Use of School Facilities.
Other security measures include emergency devices and surveillance cameras to monitor suspicious activity inside and outside of school buildings. Radio devices are used by our administrators and staff who are part of the building crisis teams so that they can communicate with one another via radio during an emergency. All employees, substitutes, and visitors are required to wear visible ID badges while in the building which eliminates the circulation of keys and allows the district to monitor when and where people enter/exit our buildings.
The district has worked with local emergency responders and independent safety experts to conduct building inspections and make recommendations for safety improvements when necessary.
Safety Drills & Practice
District 20 abides by the Illinois School Safety Drill Act (105 ILCS 128/) which requires schools to conduct a variety of safety drills annually to prepare students and staff in the case of emergency. School safety drills are conducted during the school day when students and staff are present.
- Evacuation/Fire Drills (3 drills annually, at least one involving the local fire department present to observe and provide direction and feedback)
- Shelter-in-Place/Severe Weather Drill
- Lockdown/Active Shooter Drill (Run-Hide/Lockdown-Fight) (at least one involving the police department present to observe and provide direction and feedback)
- Bus Evacuation Drill
Preventative Measures and Mental Health Supports
District 20 takes a proactive approach to our students' and staff's social-emotional well-being and mental health needs. We have various programs and resources to create and maintain a healthy and safe teaching and learning environment.
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) in all D20 schools teach students to be responsible for their behaviors with the expectation to Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible. Staff members consistently teach, model, and reinforce appropriate behaviors for students.
Social-Emotional Wellness and Mental Health are a priority for District 20 as we recognize that students cannot engage in learning if they are struggling socially, emotionally, or mentally. The District 20 Student Services Staff includes social workers and psychologists who help screen and assess student risk for emotional and behavioral problems and support student needs in our buildings.
Online Safety Platform: D20 partners with an online safety platform called Gaggle to help support student mental health and safeguard students against violence, predators, and various other issues affecting today's students. Gaggle helps our district see the early warning signs of potential danger so that our schools can take action quickly to protect students from harming themselves or others. Machine learning technology flags concerning content in students' school-issued accounts for review and blocks potentially harmful content.
In high-risk situations concerning student mental health or safety, district-appointed administrators are immediately notified by phone, text, and email, even after standard business hours. If severe concerns about student behavior are identified on student-issued accounts, Gaggle will contact 9-1-1 to perform an at-home well check with an abundance of caution.
Relationship Building: D20 Staff focus on forming relationships with our students so that we are prepared to provide support if they need it, and so they feel comfortable reporting to us when they hear or see unsafe or concerning behaviors in themselves or others. We ask our families to reinforce this message at home by letting them know they can also come to you whenever they feel unsafe and remind them to report any suspicions and concerns about school safety.
Additional Resources: District 20 also encourages students, parents, and staff to See Something, Say Something by submitting an online report of bullying or other safety concerns and to utilize the resources highlighted below.
Safe2Help Illinois
Safe2Help Illinois
Call:
1-844-4-SAFE-IL (723345)
Text:
Safe2 (72332)
Online Tip Reporting:
Email:
Download the
Safe2HelpIL app:
Safe2Help Illinois is a confidential way to share any information that threatens your safety or the safety of others.
What is Safe2Help IL?
Safe2Help Illinois provides a safe, confidential way to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. The goal is to get students to "Seek Help Before Harm."
This program provides a 24/7 confidential helpline via phone/email/text/mobile app/web form, student resources (including self-help resources, videos and tips & tools), educational resources, and community outreach.
What happens after the call?
Students can use Safe2Help IL to share concerns about themselves or others. Once vetted, the information will be immediately shared with local school officials, mental health professionals, and/or local law enforcement, depending on the nature of the tip.
What is the goal of Safe2Help IL?
It is important to note that this program is not intended to punish, suspend of expel students. Rather, the intent is to encourage students to "seek help before harm" with the goal of intervening and helping students before they harm themselves or others. Long-term goals are to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues, promote a culture of kindness, and instill important lessons such as the difference between telling and tattling, internet safety, and suicide prevention.
- Abuse
- Anxiety
- Bullying
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Healthy Relationships
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Injury
- Stress
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Violence
Additional Information
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Built on a concept of connecting with those who are experiencing suicidal or mental health crises, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline primarily seeks to offer a sense of hope. We want that hope to encourage people to call, chat or text 988 if they or a loved one are in a suicidal or mental health-related crisis.
What is 988?
988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health or substance use crisis
- Any other kind of emotion distress
You can call for yourself or on behalf of someone else you are worried about who may need crisis support.
988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline was formerly called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number still works, 988 is just easier to remember. Using either number will get you to the same services.
Additional Information
- What happens when I call 988?
- What happens when I chat 988?
- What happens when I text 988?
- Does calling/texting/chatting the 988 Lifeline really help?
- How is 988 different than 911?
What happens when I call 988?
When calling 988, callers will hear a greeting message while your call is routed to the local Lifeline network crisis center (based on your area code). A trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, listen to the caller, works to understand how the problem is affecting them, provide support, and share resources if needed.
If the local crisis center is unable to take the call, the caller is automatically routed back to the national backup crisis center.
The Lifeline uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional languages.
What happens when I chat 988?
Chat is available through the Lifeline's website at 988lifeline.org/chat in English only.
People seeking chat services are provided a pre-chat survey before connecting with a counselor, who identifies the main area of concern.
If demand is high, people can access the Lifeline's helpful resources while waiting.
Once you are connected, a crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful.
What happens when I text 988?
When you text to 988, you will be responded to by a group of Lifeline crisis centers that answer both chats and texts. The service will expand over the next few years to increase local and state level response. Once you are connected, a crisis counselor listens to you, works to understand how your problem is affecting you, provides support, and shares resources that may be helpful. Currently texting is available in English only.
Does calling/texting/chatting the 988 Lifeline really help?
Yes, the Lifeline works. Numerous studies have shown that most Lifeline callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a Lifeline crisis counselor.
Almost 98% people who call, chat, or text the 988 Lifeline get the crisis support they need and do not require additional services in that moment. The counselors are trained to help reduce the intensity of a situation for the person seeking help, and connect them to additional local resources, as needed, to support their well-being.
How is 988 different than 911?
988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country's growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. 988 provides easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line
Text:
REACH to 741741
The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support via a medium people already use and trust: texting.
What is the Crisis Text Line?
The Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need.
Additional Information
What happens when I text the Crisis Text Line?
1. First, you are in a crisis. Crisis doesn't just mean thinking of ending your own life, it is any painful emotion and any time you need support. So text us at 741741. Your opening message can say anything, keywords like "REACH," "HOME" or "HELLO" just help us to identify how people hear about us.
2. The first two responses are automated. They tell you that you are being connected with a Crisis Counselor and invite you to share a bit more. The Crisis Counselor is a trained volunteer, not a professional. They can provide support, but not medical advice.
3. It usually takes less than 5 minutes to connect you with a Crisis Counselor, who will introduce themselves, reflect on what you've said, and invite you to share at your own pace.
4. You will then text back and forth with the Crisis Counselor. You do not need to share anything you don't want to. The Crisis Counselor will help you sort through your feelings by asking questions, empathizing, and actively listening.
5. The conversation typically ends when you and the Crisis Counselor both feel comfortable deciding that you're in a "cool," safe place. After the conversation, you will receive an optional survey about your experience.
6. The goal of any conversation is to get you in a calm, safe place. Sometimes that means providing you with a referral for further help, and sometimes that just means being there and listening. A conversation usually lasts anywhere from 15-45 minutes.
ReferralGPS
ReferralGPS
District 20 partners with ReferralGPS to provide an anonymous easy to use secure website to locate Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Resources. Referral GPS allows students, parents, and staff to access their proprietary database of providers and care navigation services to help connect to mental health treatment.
- Al-Anon Meetings
- Alateen Meetings
- Divorce Care Groups
- Divorce Care for Kids
- DuPage Treatment Resources - CRIS System
- Grief Care
- Open Path Collective
- Single and Parenting
Digital Safety
Technology has made communicating, sharing information, and accessing entertainment easier than ever. As parents and guardians, it is crucial to guide our children in making responsible decisions online and understanding how their actions can have real-world consequences.
Below, we have gathered valuable resources and information to help you stay current on digital trends, recognize potential online risks, and support your child in safely navigating the internet and social media.
- Guides for Apps
- Helpful Websites
- When does school get involved with student conduct on internet or social media?
Guides for Apps
ConnectSafely Guidelines – includes guides and quick references for parents to learn more about specific apps (including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Roblox, Amazon Fire TV), and other important issues including passwords, location sharing, cyberbullying, sexting, combating hate speech, parental controls, and much more.
Helpful Websites
Illinois Attorney General Internet Safety “Stay Connected, Stay Informed” website -- https://www.onlinesafeonlinesmart.com/ provides information and resources for kids, teenagers, parents + educators on digital safety. Includes issues related to use of computers, tablets, cell phones, games, apps, and social media.
* E-INFO HOTLINE: 1888-414-7678 or email e-info@ilag.gov
ConnectSafely Guidelines -- includes guides and quick references for parents to learn more about specific apps (including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Roblox, Amazon Fire TV), and other important issues including passwords, location sharing, cyberbullying, sexting, combating hate speech, parental controls, and much more.
Family Online Safety Institute – digital parenting resources through videos, tip sheets, resources, blogs, and more to provide tools to navigate the online world with their families.
NetSmartzKids – watch videos, play games, and have fun while learning how to be safer online.
When does school get involved with student conduct on internet or social media?
School may get involved when a student’s prohibited conduct is reasonably related to school or school activities including, but not limited to, when the conduct occurs:
On or within sight of, school grounds before, during or after school hours or at any time;
Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or
Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to conduct that may be reasonably considered to (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.
Transportation Safety
School Bus Safety
Many of our students travel to and from on a school bus. We are grateful for our transportation partner, Illinois Central, as the safety of our students is their top priority, just as it is a top priority for District 20. School buses are designed to protect students through compartmentalization with closely spaced seats and high, energy-absorbing seat backs. Seat belts protect students too. Please see below for bus safety tips.
At the Bus Stop
- Arrive early at the bus stop - at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive
- Stand 6 feet (or 3 giant steps) away from the curb while waiting for the bus
- Supervise young children
Around the Bus
- Cross in FRONT of the bus - at least 10 feet (or 5 giant steps) - and make eye contact with the driver before crossing
- NEVER WALK BEHIND THE BUS
- If you drop something near the bus, do not pick it up, tell the driver instead
Getting On/Off the Bus
- Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus or standing up on the bus
- Use the handrail
- Secure any loose or hanging objects like straps on a backpack or drawstrings on a hood
Behavior On the Bus
- Buckle up if seat belts are available
- Stay in your seat keeping head, arms, and papers inside the bus, and talk quietly
- Keep aisles clear of books and bags
School Safety is a Shared Responsibility - SEE Something, SAY Something! REPORT BULLYING & SAFETY CONCERNS
School Safety is a Shared Responsibility
The prevention of violence in our communities and within our schools is a shared responsibility between schools, medical and mental health providers, community service providers, law enforcement, families, and students. Community safety must involve participation from all community members and the institutions that serve the community. The most effective way to ensure safety is to prevent the conditions perpetuating it.
District 20 focuses on prevention as the most important aspect of school safety. The research on underlying contributing factors to violence in schools overwhelming shows the need for supportive learning environments that all students feel connected to. District 20 emphasizes positive school culture and programs and encourages initiatives that promote equitable environments, a sense of belonging, and identifiable trusted adults. When students are in crisis or do not feel safe or connected, our safety reporting mechanisms allow staff to act quickly to respond and allow our student services teams to intervene when students are in need.
SEE Something, SAY Something
The district encourages all of our students, staff, and community to report personal or safety concerns to school, district, or one of our reporting mechanisms. District 20 has expanded access to and visibility of safety reporting andith Safe2Help Illinois. Additional support and reporting helplines include 988 Suicide & Crisis Line, Crisis Text Line, and ReferralGPS.
For more information on reporting and self-help resources, go to D20 Student Supports.