Law Enforcement Drill (Fall 2025)
September 22, 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians,
District 62’s highest priority is the safety of our students and staff. To maintain a safe environment, it is necessary that we practice emergency and crisis response plans, including a Law Enforcement Lockdown Drill.
This drill addresses a school intruder incident and evaluates school personnel's and students' preparedness for situations using an options-based approach. The three primary options are “run, hide, or fight.” It is a fluid response system that empowers users to utilize the best option for safety at that moment. District 62 also utilizes the Standard Response Protocol, an action-based tool that schools use during emergencies, including lockdowns, to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff through clear, standardized actions and communication. Information about the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) was shared with families over the past few months.
Des Plaines law enforcement personnel are present during the drill. Please be assured that the drill:
Does not include any simulations that mimic an actual school shooting
Is announced in advance to all school personnel and students before it begins
Includes content that is age and developmentally appropriate
Includes and involves school personnel, including school-based mental health professionals
Includes trauma-informed approaches
Permits students to ask questions related to it
We hope that we will never have to utilize this procedure in a real situation, but it is important for all staff and students to understand the procedures in place to keep individuals safe at school.
A law enforcement drill will occur at Forest Elementary School on Monday, October 6, 2025.
If you do not want your child to participate in the lockdown drill, please complete the Opt-out Request and return it to Ms. Soike by 3:30 PM on Thursday, October 2nd. A copy of this letter is linked below, which includes the Opt-Out Request. A paper copy will also come home in backpacks this week.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Principal