Safety & Security

Prevention forms the backbone of our safety strategy, and we have built layers of safeguards to protect students and staff. Our buildings are equipped with recently upgraded security systems, including controlled access points that require visitors to be buzzed in twice before entry. Classroom doors are locked during the school day, and our campuses are monitored through an extensive network of security cameras. These measures ensure that unauthorized access to our buildings is almost impossible.

Technology also plays a vital role in prevention. Our monitoring systems flag inappropriate or concerning online activity, enabling administrators to respond quickly to potential issues. These tools, coupled with mandatory background checks for staff, visitors, and volunteers, ensure that everyone interacting with our students has been thoroughly vetted.

Emotional safety is equally important. Each school has licensed counselors, along with our district team of psychologists and social workers, provide immediate and ongoing support to students in need. For more complex cases, we partner with external counseling agencies that can deliver specialized care. By addressing emotional and behavioral concerns early, we reduce the likelihood of larger problems developing.

The Safety Tip Line is another key resource for prevention. Available 24/7, it allows students, parents, and community members to anonymously report concerns ranging from bullying to potential threats. Tips are reviewed immediately by a team of administrators, ensuring that issues are addressed swiftly and appropriately. The tip line is available at the top of each school’s website and in the bookmarks bar of every student’s Chromebook.

To keep safety at the forefront, staff members undergo regular training on topics such as crisis management, bullying prevention, and suicide awareness. Schools also maintain active safety teams that meet monthly to review policies and address new concerns. This collaborative approach ensures that safety remains a priority across our district.

In emergencies, swift and coordinated responses are critical. Crown Point Community Schools use the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to guide actions during any crisis. SRP is built around five simple terms—Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter—ensuring everyone knows what to do in specific scenarios. Whether it’s a severe weather alert or a security threat, these protocols provide clarity and order during stressful situations.

All staff wear a Centegix alert badge to call for immediate help in an emergency. For more information, please see the Centegix section below.

For violent intruder scenarios, we use the ALICE protocol, which empowers individuals to assess their surroundings and make informed decisions to stay safe. Drills are conducted regularly, with age-appropriate language and activities that prepare students without causing undue anxiety. These practices are reinforced by our strong partnership with local law enforcement. School Resource Officers (SROs) provide a visible security presence and support emergency responses when needed.

Collaboration with community partners is another cornerstone of our emergency preparedness. Local police, fire departments, and public works agencies participate in regular training sessions and tabletop exercises to practice coordinated responses to a variety of situations. This proactive approach ensures that all parties are ready to act quickly and effectively.

After an emergency, the focus shifts to recovery and healing. Open communication with families is a priority, and we use multiple channels to provide updates on the situation and next steps. We provide information as quickly as we can while making sure that information is factual. We will never be faster than social media chatter, but CPCSC and our law enforcement partners will provide facts and instructions for families as soon as we have them.

Support for students and staff begins immediately. Our counselors, social workers, and psychologists are trained to help individuals process their emotions and begin healing. For families needing additional resources, we coordinate with community organizations to offer extended support.

If students must leave their school during an emergency, we implement a reunification process to bring families back together safely. The location and logistics of reunification vary depending on the situation, but parents can trust that we prioritize safety and clear communication throughout.

Looking beyond immediate recovery, we are committed to continuous improvement. Each incident is followed by a thorough review of our protocols to identify lessons learned and implement necessary changes.

As a parent, you are an essential partner in our safety efforts. Staying informed is one of the most important contributions you can make. Take time to understand the SRP terms—Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter—and discuss them with your child in a calm, reassuring manner. These conversations help demystify emergency drills and empower students to act confidently if needed.

We encourage families to report any concerns promptly using the Safety Tip Line. Whether it’s a bullying situation, a potential threat, or an observation about your child’s emotional well-being, detailed reporting helps us respond effectively. Please also speak with your children about responsible internet and social media use. Remind them that even casual online threats are taken seriously and can have significant consequences.

In times of crisis, rumors can spread quickly and cause unnecessary panic. To prevent misinformation, rely on official communications from the district. Ensure your contact information is updated in PowerSchool so you receive timely updates through ParentSquare. If you haven’t already, download the ParentSquare app, which is our primary communication tool for emergencies and general updates.