School Safety Statement
School safety is a critical priority for parents, educators, students and the community. It lays the foundation to support learning and growth for all students. The Waterloo Community School District is committed to ensuring all students and staff have minimal exposure to environmental hazards and physical dangers by developing and implementing preventive measures and response plans. By collaborating with police, fire, emergency management and safety professionals, the district has developed plans to assist staff in responding to a variety of emergency situations including weather, health concerns or threats.
The number of violent incidents in public buildings has increased in recent years. Our district has proactively taken steps to decrease the likelihood one of these events happens in our schools. Last year, our staff completed Violent Intruder Training. This is an approach recommended by Homeland Security and one being implemented in districts locally and nationwide. An informational meeting for parents was held October 16th, 2014.
The new training does not remove the option to lockdown if deemed appropriate. It simply adds the options of evacuating and countering an attack when appropriate and safe to do so. The goal is to empower every district employee and our students to have choices in violent intruder situations that would increase their chances of survival.
This informational meeting for parents is the next step. You will have a chance to learn more about the options available and to have questions answered or any concerns addressed. Following the parent meeting, we will begin to have age-appropriate discussions with students to shift the odds of surviving a violent encounter in their favor.
Staff & Secondary Student Training Video
Please click here for additional information about student training.
For more information, please visit: http://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness
Parent Dangerous Intruder Training Presentation ppt
