The School District of Holmen held a School Safety Forum on September 17, 2018 at Holmen High School. The forum provided an opportunity for community members to discuss communication, threat assessment, and policies related to school safety with District Administration and School Board members.
Below are some commonly asked questions from the forum.
How does the District monitor the cameras?
We do not have a designated person watching the cameras on a screen 24/7. The cameras are a tool to help in investigating and mitigating any unforeseen safety concerns. Multiple cameras can appear on one screen. The police liaison and administration have the ability to access to these screens remotely. The Holmen Police Department has access, when needed, to any camera. Only individuals authorized by the District Administrator or his/her designee may view recordings. We prefer to have our staff visible in the presence of students to help build relationships.
What does security look like at school events in the evening?
There are assigned staff present to observe and monitor the crowd. All staff have ALICE training and are encouraged to use learned strategies when posed with a risk. When appropriate, there is additional police presence. With the additional cameras, the District is now able to view footage in outdoor locations such as parking lots, playing fields, and outdoor entries.
What does the District do when a potential threat is made?
There are many ways a potential threat can be made, such as in an email, on a note, via STOPit, verbally through conversation, etc. Once a potential threat is made the following steps are taken:
- Identify students of concern
- Conduct threat assessment
- Determine credibility/level of threat
- Contact parent/guardian if student is involved
- Contact law enforcement if there is a serious or imminent threat (medium or high)
When is communication shared about a threat?
When a threat involves an individual student, such as threat to self, communication is shared with the individual’s parent(s) and staff on a need to know basis. When the threat involves a serious or imminent threat to the health or safety to the students, district staff, or community, information is shared as quickly as possible without jeopardizing an investigation. The District will inform parents if there is increased police presence due to situations involving medium or high risk.
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