The safety of our students is our top priority, both in our schools and online.

Working hand-in-hand with our local first responders we have developed protocols for a variety of safety and security events, which are reviewed annually. Our staff complete annual training, and we conduct multiple drills throughout the year. In partnership with our local law enforcement, we have two dedicated police officers in our schools through the School Resource Officer program. Each summer, we review security infrastructure at each school.

For the safety and security of our staff and students, and per the recommendation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, it is not advised to release the detailed plans and protocols.

School Safety

• Standard Response Protocol: We utilize the i love u guys Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol. This protocol provides common language and training to school districts across the country.
• Drills and Exercises: We regularly work with our local first responders to ensure the readiness of our school personnel and law enforcement for preparation, response, and after action related to preparedness for a variety of safety and security situations. This work includes drills and training for our staff, as well as students.
• Secured Entrances: All buildings have a secure front entrance as well as side entrances that can only be accessed by staff with badges.
• Visitors: All visitors must sign in at the front office before accessing the school. Regular volunteers go through a more in-depth background check prior to their volunteer time. All outside entities wanting access to the building must get prior approval from administration.
• Security Cameras: All schools have interior and exterior video cameras. Buses also have cameras on them to ensure safety for all passengers.
• ID Cards: All ISD staff members are required to wear a school / department ID cards. The card must be in a visible location above the waist, worn on a lanyard or a badge holder clipped to the shirt.
• School Resource Officers: Through a partnership with the Ignacio Police Department, we have two dedicated School Resource Officers at our school buildings. These officers are specially trained to work with students and know the school buildings inside and out. High schools have a dedicated officer, while middle and elementary schools share officers who visit on a regular and randomized basis.

Online Safety

Staying safe online is an important concern for our students, parents, and staff. Internet safety is not just limited to online predators; some of the other concepts that come to mind include:

• Cyberbullying
• Identity theft
• Social networking
• Cyber ethics

To help keep students and staff safe, we utilize a state-of-the-art web filter solution to secure our network from external content that is obscene or pornographic. However, technology cannot solve the problem on its own; we believe that online safety is a partnership that must happen between the schools and parents. We encourage families to educate students about their responsibilities and establish expectations on technology use.