Safety and Security

Keeping our schools safe: What you need to know

Wayzata Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for all students, staff, families and visitors. We follow best practices in school safety and work closely with local police, fire and emergency responders. 

Our students and staff practice emergency drills and receive training for lockdowns, fire evacuation and severe weather during the school year. We also have crisis teams in each of our schools, as well as a districtwide crisis team that will respond in the event of an emergency.

While we can’t share every detail for security reasons, here’s what families and staff should know:

 

New safety protocols are in place

We are now using the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) from the I Love U Guys Foundation, used in over 45,000 schools, agencies and organizations around the world. This helps us respond clearly and consistently in any emergency.

Here’s what each response means:

• Hold – “In your room or area. Clear the halls.”
  Hallways are cleared, and students/staff stay in classrooms. Used for medical or minor issues in the hallway.
   
• Secure – “Get inside. Lock outside doors”
  Outside doors are locked. No one may enter or exit the building. Used for possible threats outside the school.
   
• Lockdown – “Locks, lights, out of sight”
  Everyone hides quietly inside classrooms with lights off and phones silenced. If they are near an exit, they may leave the school and find a safe place to hide away from the building. Used for possible threats inside the building. Law enforcement will determine when it is safe to release students and staff.
   
• Evacuate – “Move to the announced location”
  Students and staff leave the building and go to a safe location. Used for things like fires or gas leaks.
   
• Shelter – Used for severe weather. Everyone moves to designated shelter areas within the building. 

What families should know about building safety

• All doors are locked during the school day.
• Visitors must enter through the front office, show a photo ID, and wear a visitor badge at all times.
• Schools may deny entry for safety or behavioral concerns.
• No visitors are allowed during safety drills or emergencies.

What you can do in an emergency

If there is an incident at your child’s school:

• We will share important updates with families and staff via email and text as soon as information is available, so it’s essential that your contact details are up to date. Make sure your contact information is correct in Skyward Family Access.
• Check the district website and official social media for updates.
• Do not call the school – staff will be focused on managing the situation.
• Do not go to the school unless instructed – it could block emergency responders.
• Do not share unverified information on social media – only share updates from the district.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe.
Questions? Contact your building principal.