Safety & Emergency Response
The safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors is top priority. In District 196, we believe that safety is everyone's responsibility. If you see something, say something. Contact your school office or any trusted adult if you have concerns.
Our comprehensive approach to school safety includes cultivating positive and welcoming school environments and investments in many safety measures in recent years, including secure entrances, automatic lockdown technology, increased camera surveillance, Halo detectors, and secure visitor management. We are committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming learning environment.
Confidential Reporting
Violence Prevention
When it comes to school safety, students, staff, and community members are important sources of information.
District 196 middle and high schools teach the Say Something violence prevention program. Designed to proactively keep students safe, it empowers students to recognize and report warning signs of potential harm. Lessons focus on three important areas:
- Recognize warnings and threats
- Act immediately and take warnings and threats seriously
- Say something to a trusted adult (reporting concerns)
Our goal is to ensure students have the knowledge and skills needed to help keep themselves and others safe at school and in the community.
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INVESTMENTS IN SAFETY
Automatic Lock Buttons
With one button, schools can lockdown exterior and interior doors to protect classrooms and student areas. When the automated lockdown button is activated, all interior fire doors close, the system calls 911, and announce a lockdown for all to hear. The system reduces emergency response time so law enforcement can assist school staff with disruptive visitors or intruders.
(2023 Referendum)
Secured Entrances
School doors remain locked during the school day. All staff wear ID badges. Visitors must enter through a designated main entrance before being granted access. Visitors must present a drivers license or government issued ID and wear a visitors badge while in the school.
(2015 Referendum)
Surveillance Cameras
District 196 schools are equipped with security cameras and monitoring software to observe spaces for added protection. Thanks to the support of local voters in 2023, we have added cameras and Halo vape detectors, which also detect loud noises or odors and alert school administrators to respond to disruptive or prohibited behaviors in restrooms.
Confidential Reporting
We ask students and families, If you see something, say something. Each of our middle schools and high schools has a Confidential Tip Line on the CONTACT page of their website. If you have safety concerns, report them.
(2015 Referendum)
Exteriors & Parking Lots
Upgrades have been made districtwide to add additional exterior lighting, exterior surveillance cameras, and update fire alarm systems.
Traffic patterns at some schools have been redesigned to improve traffic safety on school property.
(2015 & 2023 Referendum)
Mental Health Supports
Thanks to voter suppor in 2019, we have increased the number of counselors, social workers, and school psychologists readily available to support emotional well-being. District 196 also contracts with Care Solace to help families find the mental health resources they may need outside of school.
(2019 Referendum)
School Resource Officers
School Resource Officers are important members of our school safety teams. District 196 contracts with Eagan, Apple Valley, and Rosemount Police Departments and Dakota County Sheriff’s Office to have School Resource Officers (SRO) at each of our middle schools and high schools. These full-time, uniformed officers are armed as police officers in our schools during the regular instructional school day to protect and serve.
Their duties include:
- fostering a positive school climate through relationship building and open communication;
- protecting students, staff, and visitors to the school grounds from criminal activity;
- serving as a liaison from law enforcement to school officials;
- providing advice on safety drills and identifying vulnerabilities in school facilities and safety protocols;
- educating and advising students and staff on law enforcement topics; and,
- enforcement of criminal laws.
For more information about the role of School Resource Officers in District 196: 506.9AR School Resource Officers
Emergency Response
The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is a nationally recognized safety framework developed by The “I Love U Guys” Foundation. It provides a clear, common language and set of actions for how schools and other organizations respond to a wide range of emergencies. SRP is widely used across the U.S., including in District 196, and is designed to improve communication, coordination, and outcomes during critical incidents.
Student/Parent Reunification
In rare situations, such as severe weather, a power outage, a hazardous materials incident, or a school crisis, students may need to be picked up by a parent or guardian in a controlled and organized process called a Reunification center.
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CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING
All middle and high schools in District 196 offer a confidential tip platform that allows students, families, and community members to anonymously report concerns or incidents that may require school attention. The reporting link is available on the Contact page of each school’s website. For emergencies, always call 911.