An important message from the Superintendent

At District 88, the safety of our students and staff is our No. 1 priority. In light of the recent tragic incidents at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida and Marshall County High School in Kentucky, there are understandably heightened concerns related to school safety.

We want to assure you the security of our students and staff is always at the forefront of our work, and safety and security measures to maintain a secure and caring home at Addison Trail and Willowbrook include the following:

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 feel a sense of belonging and pride, it helps establish a safe place of learning. 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. Establishing relationships with our students creates a culture where they feel comfortable communicating with us about possible issues.
   
   
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 the schools 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 Bryan Hruby (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 crisis drills such as fire and tornado drills, mock lockdowns and mock hostage 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 a message system to inform parents/guardians and community members. 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, guidance counselors and deans: Our school psychologists, guidance 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.

Student demonstrations
We certainly understand our students’ desire to participate in the national demonstrations regarding school violence that are being planned by several organizations during the upcoming weeks and months.

We value our students’ voices and concerns, and our administration continues to speak and work with student leaders to provide a safe, productive and impactful manner for their voices to be heard through peaceful and organized action. On March 12, more than 400 high school student leaders from about 30 high schools throughout the Chicago area will come together at Willowbrook High School for a day of conversation and planning regarding school safety. Through that forum, participants will come together to share their thoughts on these national issues, leave with an action plan to take back to their school and have an opportunity to speak with local and state civic leaders and legislators.

• In the event that a demonstration takes place during school hours, our first priority – as always – will be to maintain a safe environment.
• We have a tremendous relationship with our local law enforcement, and we will coordinate with those groups to assist in monitoring any demonstration that should take place to ensure student safety.
• Students have the constitutional right to participate in a walkout, as long as it is civil and doesn’t disrupt the educational environment. However, students are subject to consequences equal to the rules violated while protesting. For example, leaving campus during school hours is a violation of our handbook expectations and Board policy and subject to consequences.
• Teachers and staff will continue to provide supervision and instruction for students who choose to remain in the building.

Helping students express themselves in a positive manner
Many school districts are seeing an increase in rumors and threats related to student safety. We want to remind students and parents/guardians that – as always – any threat will be taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated. We encourage parents/guardians to speak with their children about responsible use of social media. Should you become aware of a rumor or a threat, it is critical to provide that information to law enforcement and school administration immediately.

We all share the goal of making our schools safe and welcoming for our students, staff and visitors, and we can accomplish that goal by working together and remembering that if you see something, say something. Like you, we at District 88 are devastated by these tragic incidents, but we are committed to working with all of our partners to uphold the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me at shelton@dupage88.net or 630-530-3980. Thank you for your continued support of District 88.

Scott J. Helton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of District 88