District-Wide Professional Development Day Centers on School Safety

For the first time, Lakota Schools dedicated an entire professional development day to school safety training for all staff. This full-day initiative reflects the District's priority to safety and creating safe, secure learning environments for every student and staff member.

The day was divided into two key sessions:

Collaborative Practice for Proactive Preparedness

Staff gathered for school-wide meetings led by their building administrators and school resource officers (SROs). The sessions covered emergency response plans, including staff roles during reunification procedures. SROs also facilitated a presentation and drill focused on responding to high-risk intruder scenarios, helping staff understand protocols and practice coordinated responses. 

Strengthening Safety Through Training and Review

Staff engaged in a variety of building-level safety activities. They completed mandatory training modules, worked through tabletop scenarios in small groups and participated in safety team meetings. Each building’s threat assessment team—responsible for reviewing every reported threat, no matter how minor—met to reinforce their role in maintaining a safe and responsive school environment. Additional safety procedures were also reviewed to ensure consistency and preparedness across Lakota.

Just as students regularly participate in monthly and annual safety exercises—such as tornado, fire and rapid dismissal drills—Lakota’s staff must also practice and prepare. This professional development day provided the time and space for staff to engage in the same level of readiness and reflection.

Additionally, staff at West Freshman, Lakota Central and Creekside had the opportunity to participate in Stop the Bleed training, a hands-on session focused on life-saving bleeding control techniques.

This dedicated professional development day represented a district-wide investment in preparedness, collaboration and care. By providing time for staff to learn, practice and plan together, Lakota Schools continues to strengthen its culture of safety. The District remains committed to ongoing efforts that ensure Lakota schools are safe, supportive places for students to learn and grow. For more information about safety and security, parents are encouraged to visit the district website.