Safety & Security in Our Schools
At Deerfield Public Schools District 109, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is a top priority. While we cannot share specific details publicly to maintain the integrity of our comprehensive safety plan, please rest assured that we are committed to safeguarding our students, staff and school community. District 109 collaborates closely with our community partners to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone and we have a dedicated School Resource Officer who works throughout our schools.
The District undergoes regular assessments conducted by a trusted third-party organization to help us implement appropriate, effective safety measures.
The District maintains a strong and positive working relationship with the Deerfield Police Department and the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Department. You can see these connections throughout the school year at philanthropy events, teaching moments, fun rides to school and more. We value the trust and support of our community, and together, we are committed to fostering a secure and nurturing environments for everyone at Deerfield Public Schools.
New District-Wide Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures
Always bring your ID!
To enhance safety in our schools, the District has established new and consistent procedures for late drop off and early pick up of students. An easy-to-use system will make the process as quick and efficient as possible. This process is consistent at every building; it is a District procedure.
All students who arrive late or leave early must be signed in or out by a parent, guardian or authorized emergency contact at the kiosk located in the school vestibule, and that person must present their government-issued ID at pickup. You’ll see a sign with a friendly reminder to bring your ID before entering at every school.
Once you sign in or out through the kiosk, you will be asked to wait in the vestibule. Students who are leaving early will not be called to the office until they have been signed out through this process. Plan extra time when picking up your child early.
The new system does not save information, so you will need to follow this process every time you drop off your child late or pick up your child early.
We Need to Reach You
The schools and District use the contact information families provide to reach you in a crisis situation. Log into Skyward Family Access to make sure your email and phone number are correct. Ensure you list your phone number as cellular so that you receive text notifications. Contact your child's school front office if you need assistance in updating information.
See Something? Say Something: D109 Tip Line
Looking out for one another helps make our schools stronger. Use the Tip Line to share concerns about safety, bullying or anything that puts others at risk. You’ll also find information about Safe2Help Illinois, another way students can report concerns and access support.
Standard Response Protocol
District 109 follows the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP) when responding to emergency or crisis situation. This approach ensures consistent, clear communication during emergencies. The SRP emphasizes five key actions: hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate, shelter.
We will continually define and reinforce these terms so they become a common part of our community's language. Posters are displayed throughout our schools as a reminder of this protocol, and all staff have been trained on these procedures.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions or concerns about the standard response protocol, contact Director of Safety and Operations Jennifer Lucas.
|
|
 |
|
School Resource Officer (SRO)
Meet SRO Lauren Maldonado
Officer Lauren Maldonado has been with the Deerfield Police Department for almost six years. Before joining DPD, she was a 4th-grade teacher in North Chicago. While visiting each building, Officer Maldonado looks forward to seeing the friendly faces of students and staff throughout the day. Establishing a sense of safety for the 109 community is her priority her presence and strong relationships with our community have helped improve that level of safety.
Check out safety tips in the Minute with Maldonado series!