Our Commitment to School Safety

Now that the school year is underway, we want to take a moment to share information about the safety measures we have in place across our District. Please know that the safety of our students and staff is, and always will be, our highest priority.

Our district takes this responsibility very seriously. We continually review, strengthen, and expand our safety protocols to create the most secure learning environment possible. While not all details can be shared for security reasons, we want to provide an overview of the measures we have in place.

Key safety measures in place across our district

• Standard Response Protocol (SRP): We follow the nationally recognized I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol, which provides clear, consistent language and procedures for responding to emergencies, including Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Staff is trained annually to ensure preparedness.
   
• Say Something Reporting Tool: Students, staff, and families can anonymously report bullying, harassment, discrimination, or safety concerns. Reports go directly to school principals and district administrators.
   
• Secured Entrances & Visitor Procedures: All schools keep exterior doors locked, with one monitored entrance equipped with cameras. Visitors are required to check in and wear a visible badge. To reinforce safety, all exterior doors display “STOP, DON’T PROP” stickers reminding students and staff not to leave doors propped open.
   
• Locked Classrooms: Classroom doors are to remain closed and locked during instruction to provide immediate security if needed.
   
• Security Cameras: Strategically placed cameras monitor hallways, entrances, playgrounds, parking lots, and other areas within and around our schools.
   
• Security Systems: Alarms protect buildings during non-school hours, immediately alerting local authorities to unauthorized entry.
   
• Emergency Radios: Each building is equipped with radios to allow direct communication with administrators, security, and first responders.
   
• Securly 24: This service monitors district devices for concerning online searches or messages, alerting staff if a student may be at risk of self-harm or harming others.
   
• Additional Measures: These include a comprehensive district emergency plan, annual staff training, emergency mass notifications, building floor plans provided to first responders, shatterproof window film on select exterior windows, and regular school safety audits.

We recognize that no single measure can eliminate all risks, but collectively, these layers of protection help us provide safe and supportive environments where students can focus on learning. More information about our school safety efforts can be found on our website at www.IowaCitySchools.org/SchoolSafety.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to protect and care for every student and staff member in our schools.