In District 3, nothing is as important than the safety of our students and staff. That’s why the district has launched #SAFEeagle — a district-wide safety and security initiative that’s designed to build a culture of preparedness and ensure clear communication before, during, and after any crisis.
“We never want to find ourselves in the position of having to catch up, especially during a crisis,” said Superintendent Dr. Matt Mayer. “Through #SAFEeagle, all of us in D3 will have a clear understanding of what our role is should a crisis occur.”
While #SAFEeagle focuses first on keeping schools secure, it’s also about keeping the community informed. Families, students, and staff will know exactly how the district will respond to an emergency — and how we’ll communicate each step along the way.
“Speaking the same language in an emergency is absolutely critical,” Dr. Mayer said. “ No matter what school you attend, what grade you're in, or if you’re a member of our staff, a parent or a community member, you will now have a clear understanding of what’s happening and what we’re doing about it.”
To ensure everyone understands what’s happening during a crisis, D3 has partnered with the “I Love You Guys” Foundation to implement its Standard Response Protocol (SRP). This set of clear, consistent terms helps everyone — from students to parents to first responders and families — know exactly what to do if a crisis occurs.
Here’s what each protocol means:
Secure – Based on activity in the surrounding area, the school, including areas not on school grounds, is locked. Staff will relocate all students and activities inside, and learning will continue with minimal interruption.
Lockdown – followed by "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight" and is the protocol used to secure individual rooms and keep occupants quiet and in place
Evacuate – Students and staff will relocate to a safe area.
Shelter – Take shelter indoors or nearby (for weather, hazardous materials, etc.).
Hold – Students and staff will clear the hallways; students and staff will remain in their classrooms.
Should a crisis occur, D3’s priority is simple: keep everyone safe. This means the district will respond immediately to the incident. The response involves gathering accurate information to guide our actions, communicating updates to the relevant people at the appropriate time and continuing to share information until the situation is resolved.
During a crisis, D3 families will receive #SAFEeagle Alerts via email, text message, and, when applicable, on the district’s social media channels. These alerts will include which protocol is in place and any other essential updates. As new information becomes available, more alerts will be sent so that families are never left to wonder.
In addition to SRP, D3 will continue to use its anti-bullying reporting system. District policy prohibits bullying in any form. All students are expected to be treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to See Something, Say Something. Students who witness bullying or are bullied should submit a confidential report to their principal. When a report is made, school principals will interview the students involved and determine what steps, if any, need to be taken.
“By working together, practicing our protocols, and keeping communication open, we can ensure D3 schools remain safe places to learn, grow, and thrive,” Dr. Mayer said. “Being prepared isn’t about fear. It’s about confidence. When our students, staff, and families know what we will do in an emergency, we can face any challenge together.”