AugLM2022

contact information collected? Are visitors escorted? Are packages, purses and bags subject to search? Are temporary ID badges provided and worn visibly? 3. Landscaping: Are sightlines maximized by trimming or removing plants so that they are less than 2 feet tall within 6 feet of walkways? Less than 3 feet tall between 6-12 feet away from walkways? Are bushes trimmed to less than 6 inches below windowsills? Have thorny bushes and shrubs been used to discourage access? Are trees planted far enough away from buildings to avoid being used to access upper floors or the roof? Have trees been “limbed up” at least 7 feet from grade? 4. Security lighting deters illegal activity, encourages positive behavior, increases use of space, reduces fear, aids in the identification of intruders and increases natural surveillance. How often are nighttime lighting audits being done to identify dark or dimly lit areas? Are exterior fixtures numbered to easily communicate non-functional lights to maintenance staff? Does local law enforcement routinely patrol the grounds at night? 5. Have all exterior doors been numbered consecutively around the building, inside and outside, using reflective numbers at least 6 inches high? Have key retention devices been installed at main entrances to allow for access by first responders? 6. Glazing/windows: Have objects such as large rocks, located outside, been removed to avoid smash and grab behavior? Has laminated film been applied to windows at main entrances? Do windows have shades to use during lockdowns to reduce visibility? Have all classrooms with exterior windows been numbered to provide an easy determination of location by first responders? 7. Do wayfinding and signage complement access control and natural surveillance? Are signs present throughout the complex clearly identifying entry points and entry procedures? 8. Are parking lots free from plant growth that limits visibility? Are pedestrian walkways clearly striped and signed? Is traffic forced to remote parts of the lot? Building Interior 1. Does the vestibule have a layered entry forcing visitors to go through at least two sets of locked doors? 2. Are signs present throughout the interior of the complex identifying individual classrooms as well as directional signs to offices, restrooms, and common areas? 3. Are employees inside the building taught to confront visitors who don’t have visible badges? Are employees taught to escort them to the office?

Guide to Illinois Safety Drill Act Do you know what’s required in the Illinois School Safety Drill Act? This guide, compiled by Dr. Roger Alvey, is an easy-to-understand breakdown of the Act and what superintendents need to know. Click Here to view.

Social-Emotional Issues for Students/Training for Adults

1. Beyond conducting drills and hardening the facility, perhaps the most important aspect of school safety is developing relationships with students. Have you put pictures of your students on lockers, had faculty and staff walk by, and then place check marks on the photos signifying that they have a close relationship with individual kids? This is a great way to identify students who would benefit from specialized support. 2. Have you conducted a mental health awareness day in your school focusing on wellness, self-care and sensory activities? This could incorporate therapy dogs, art activities, self-care jeopardy, physical activity and more. 3. Have you invited law enforcement into the school on institute days to train staff on safety issues? Has law enforcement conducted hands-on training with staff in regards to situational awareness? Do you encourage officers to stop by the school during the school day simply to provide a presence and to engage informally with students? 4. Do you have a behavioral threat assessment team? Does it include faculty, staff, social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, administrators and first responders? Does the team meet regularly? Does it meet pre-emptively or only after an incident has occurred? School Safety Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank Students will not learn optimally unless they feel safe and secure in their environment. Addressing school safety issues does not have to break the bank. Although time is an investment, kids are the greatest investment by far. How much are you willing to invest?

17 LM August 2022