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Dear Parents and Guardians,
All staff members of the Waunakee Community School District are dedicated to providing a safe environment. A positive classroom environment where all students are valued is the first and best tool used in creating safe schools. Following are some of the ways we promote safety throughout our school district.
All administrators have participated in specialized training on responding during emergencies. Some staff members have more specialized training in first aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of the automatic external defibrillator (AED). All staff and students are trained and practice responses for a variety of situations. Most people are aware of fire drills and severe weather drills. Fire drills are practiced monthly. Severe weather drills are practiced in the fall and spring. Twice during the year all students participate in bus evacuation drills that help students be prepared for bus emergencies. Students and staff practice drills throughout the year during which they “secure” themselves in classrooms to remain safe from unwelcome visitors.
From the first school day students begin learning personal protective practices including activities as simple as hand washing. All students are trained throughout the elementary and intermediate school years on bike safety and how to be safe crossing streets. This early training continues to be emphasized during the middle and high school years. Students are also trained in age-appropriate ways about “stranger danger,” including unwelcome internet contacts and threats. Students are trained in specialized safety protocols required in content areas like science, art, technical education, physical education, computer education, and family and consumer education. During middle school, students begin training in first aid, CPR, and AED, and this education continues during high school.
Our school district works closely with the Village safety agencies including law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire department, and utilities. We collaborate on risk assessment, emergency planning, training, and responses so that when we have an emergency, we are prepared to work together.
Although we have many safety procedures in place, a classroom where all children are welcomed and valued will always be the most important way to promote safety. When staff members create meaningful and trusting relationships with students, our entire school district is a safer place. We thank our staff members and students for promoting and practicing safety. We appreciate everything that parents do to support our efforts to keep students, staff, and visitors safe.
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