Standard Response Protocol

District 36 has a crisis plan that is routinely reviewed with the Winnetka Police Department. In 2024, District 36 adopted the I Love U Guys Foundation Crisis Response Program. Changes are made to our plans as necessary to comply with current best practices and emergency protocols. School principals also review the plan annually for any site-specific updates. Below is a description of each response to any given situation.

• If a school is placed in a HOLD, there is a situation INSIDE the building that requires immediate action for all to stay put. This is not a life-threatening situation.
• If a school is in SECURE, there is a situation OUTSIDE the building that requires all persons to remain inside. Classroom activities continue uninterrupted. There may be circumstances where no one will be let in or out of the building.
• A LOCKDOWN is called when there is a threat or hazard INSIDE or OUTSIDE the school building requiring everyone to lockdown in a safe place.
• An EVACUATE is called when there is an unsafe situation INSIDE the building that requires all persons to exit the building - fire, gas leak, chemical spill, etc.
• SHELTER is used when there is an unsafe situation - typically a natural threat - that requires everyone to seek shelter and cover their heads.