Safety is the No. 1 priority at District 88

Pictured is District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton.

At District 88, the safety of our students, staff and visiting community members is our No. 1 priority.

As we begin the 2018-19 school year, we would like to share with you important information regarding our safety and security measures to maintain a secure and caring home at Addison Trail and Willowbrook. We want to assure you the security of our buildings is always at the forefront of our work.

1. Training for students and staff members: We list this item as No. 1 because creating a welcoming environment is the first step to a safe school. If students and staff members know they’re valued and belong, it helps establish a safe place of learning. Maintaining relationships with our students creates a culture where they feel comfortable communicating with us about possible issues. We follow the motto of the “If You See Something, Say Something” national campaign and explain the importance of being proactive to avoid potentially dangerous situations. We also train students and staff members how to handle various crisis situations. This year, we’re working with the Addison and Villa Park police departments to implement ALICE Training (which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) to ensure the buildings continue to follow best practices with regard to school safety.
   
   
2. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS): In fall 2007, Addison Trail and Willowbrook implemented a program called PBIS, which encourages students to exemplify positive behavior and help others to do the same. Students are rewarded for living up to the Warrior Code at Willowbrook and showing Blazer Pride at Addison Trail, which instills a culture of tolerance and quality behavioral traits.
   
   
3. Video cameras: Video cameras are installed in key places on the interior and exterior of our buildings to ensure the safety of students and staff members. Our local first responders have access to this video feed to assist in the event of an emergency.
   
   
4. School Resource Officers: When you enter Addison Trail or Willowbrook, you’ll often see School Resource Officers Eric Brant (Addison Trail) and Donald Giammarino (Willowbrook). Those on-duty, active officers are there to work with us in our mission to maintain the security of our schools.
   
   
5. Crisis plans: Every year, District 88 meets with the local police and fire departments to update the district’s crisis plans to make sure we’re prepared for crisis situations. We also have ongoing drills and simulated practices with the police and fire departments, as well as the county homeland security office.
   
   
6. Practicing security: We want to make sure we can follow through on the plans we implement, which is why we frequently host various tabletop exercises and drills such as fire and tornado drills, mock lockdowns and mock intruder situations. Locker checks also take place during the school year.
   
   
7. Communication: Keeping our stakeholders informed is a top priority at District 88. In the event of an emergency, District 88 uses an automated message system to inform parents/guardians. We also post information on our website (www.dupage88.net).
   
   
8. Monitoring the buildings: Throughout the day, staff members monitor the halls to ensure security and that students are focused on learning. Students also provide frequent feedback regarding concerns they have, and all information received is treated seriously and is fully investigated.
   
   
9. Check-in system: Visitors to District 88 must have their driver’s license scanned to check for criminal background activity before they can enter the building. They also must wear a visitor badge and sign in and out, so we have a record of their visit.
   
   
10. School psychologists, counselors and deans: Our school psychologists, counselors and deans are always available to speak with students who need guidance and support. Those pupil services provide an opportunity for students to seek assistance in dealing with various difficult situations. Those relationships are critical to ensuring the safety of our schools. The Deans Office also helps to prevent bullying. Bullying of any kind is not tolerated at District 88, and there is a bullying hotline at each school. Anyone who wishes to make an anonymous report can call the hotline at 630-782-2801 (Addison Trail) or 630-782-2803 (Willowbrook). For more information regarding anti-bullying, see the District 88 Handbook at www.dupage88.net/Handbook.

We all share the goal of making our schools secure and welcoming for our students, staff and visitors, and District 88 is committed to working together with all of our partners to uphold the safety of our buildings.

Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at shelton@dupage88.net or 630-530-3980. Thank you for your continued support of District 88.