Safety measures an ‘ongoing journey' at Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills District 181
Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 has an ongoing process to create the safest possible environment at its schools.
And while many procedures already have been put into place to help achieve that goal, additional efforts are planned for the 2025-26 school year.
'At D181, we believe safety is an ongoing journey,' said Jeffrey Alstadt, the district's director of communications. 'District 181 is committed to a comprehensive approach to student safety.'
Alstadt said past efforts have focused on secure facilities, standard operating procedures and physical security enhancements such as controlled entrances, along with recently emphasizing improved communication and collaboration with local law enforcement.
'District 181 has made significant strides in bolstering safety across our schools through a multi-faceted approach focusing on facilities, standard operating procedures, and dedicated personnel,' Alstadt said.
'This comprehensive foundation of facility upgrades, well-defined procedures, and dedicated personnel underscores District 181's commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff.'
Planned enhancements for the 2025-26 school year include standard operating procedures being further refined with CrisisGo (a company that specializes in safety solutions) integrated for drills and real-time emergencies, and expanding the safety team by increasing the safety officer presence, with schedules strategically designed to maximize coverage.
'We will continue to utilize the D181 Safety Officer Operations Manual, which includes important distinctions between a school resource officer and a D181 safety officer, a clear reporting structure and schedules, ongoing training and support, and uniform/equipment guidelines,' Alstadt said. He also said there will be enhanced communication to keep the community informed.
'We'll continue sharing safety tips and safety updates through superintendent and district update messages,' he said.
During the 2023-24 school year, District 181 enhanced its safety measures by implementing a three-point entry system and bolstering security at entrances.
'(And) upgraded cameras throughout the buildings provide increased situational awareness,' Alstadt said.
Additionally, staff has received training on the Verkada Guest Upgrade system, streamlining visitor management, he said.
To better secure the district's facilities, it invested in physical security measures, such as safety vestibules, secure office areas, and a visitor ID management system, exterior card readers, and safety window film to add additional barriers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Belfast Telegraph
20 minutes ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Mobuoy criminals who polluted Derry drinking water told judge their health suffered from being taken to court
Gerard Farmer lied about his role, absurdly claiming people may have sneaked in to dump vast quantities of toxic waste because the gates were unlocked The two criminals responsible for a vast toxic dump polluting Londonderry's drinking water repeatedly lied about their role — and then claimed when caught it was hurting their own health. The businessmen were key to a racket worth tens of millions of pounds centred on an environmental crime which will pollute a large tract of land outside Derry for generations to come.
South Wales Guardian
20 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Welsh language learning partnership launched by council
The council is working with the National Centre for Learning Welsh to help more adults who work with children and young people learn or improve their Welsh. The partnership aims to support the council's Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, which seeks to expand and strengthen Welsh-medium education across the county. Owain Lloyd, director of education, children and family services at Carmarthenshire County Council, said: "I very much welcome this strategic partnership with the National Centre for Learning Welsh which will be extremely important over the coming years as the authority moves forward with our aspirations in terms of Welsh education." The centre will offer a range of learning opportunities at different levels, from beginner courses to confidence-building sessions. A dedicated tutor will be based within the council to support staff working with children and young people. Practitioners will also have access to the centre's wider programmes, including in-person classes, online self-study options, and virtual lessons. Support will also be available for parents, carers, and guardians to help them use more Welsh at home through the centre's Welsh at Home scheme. Meinir Ebbsworth, deputy chief executive and strategic director at the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said: "The partnership focuses on three core elements, namely the provision at school, how the home can support Welsh language development, as well as other services that support children and young people."
South Wales Guardian
20 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Family open new convenience store in Ffairfach for community
Mr Dilit and Mrs Shital Patel have run Crown Store in Ffairfach since May. This comes after Mr and Mrs Patel were known for their other shop on New Road in Llandeilo which has been around for 30 years. Mr and Mrs Patel run another shop in Llandeilo. (Image: Cllr Edward Thomas) Mr Patel said: 'Things are going very well. The community has been supporting us as the shop here has been closed for three or four years. 'It's handy for school kids and for the local community, especially for elderly people who can't drive and who would otherwise have to take public transport to another town to do their shopping. 'We sell everything here including the paper, groceries and everything a local might require. We are also an off license so locals can get anything they need. 'People are very appreciative of what we bring to the community. Business is picking up and it will continue to do so in the next few months. We have customers who come back every day.' Mr Patel has lived in Wales for over 40 years and used to own a shop in Swansea a few years ago, before deciding to sell the business. He continued: The opportunity became available so we decided we would give this shop a go. People are lovely down here in the village. They are always supporting us by doing their shopping here. 'I run the shop with my wife and my nephew also helps, who moved to Wales two or three years ago. We are planning to employ two new people and if the business continues to grow, we will employ even more people.' The Crown Store in Ffairfach is open seven days a week. (Image: Cllr Edward Thomas) On the shop opening day, Mr and Mrs Patel were joined by Carmarthenshire County Councillor, Edward Thomas, who cut the ribbon. 'Cllr Thomas has really helped us out with the shop. He's a very good man and we are grateful to him.' The shop is open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week and offers a National Lottery outlet. Cllr Thomas said: 'Mr & Mrs Patel, who run a busy shop in New Road Llandeilo, saw the opportunity to take over an empty shop premises in Ffairfach. 'I was very pleased and honoured to open the shop along with members of Mr Patel's family and I am sure it will be a great asset to the village. I wish Mr & Mrs Patel the best of luck with this new venture ' 'They have always supported the local football and rugby club, and they are very popular in the community. People are grateful they have somewhere to do their shopping.'
