FHS Weekly Update
August 10 - 14, 2026
Tuesday, August 18th
Maintaining a safe, welcoming learning environment is a priority at Fremd High School. During the first week of school, students and staff will review important school safety procedures. Throughout the year, we will reinforce that instruction through planned evacuation, shelter, and lockdown drills.
Fremd High School will conduct its first lockdown drill of the school year on Tuesday, August 18th. The drill will be conducted in partnership with the Palatine Police Department so that we can evaluate our procedures and preparedness. Families may notice an increased police presence on campus that day; officers will be present as part of the planned drill, and their presence will not indicate an actual emergency.
Students will learn about our lockdown procedures as part of a broader school safety lesson on Tuesday, August 11. This instruction will include our RUN–HIDE–SURVIVE protocol. In an actual emergency, students and staff must evaluate the circumstances and determine whether it is safest to evacuate the building or shelter in a secure location.
On the morning of the drill, an announcement will remind students and staff that the drill will occur that day. Although the exact starting time will not be shared in advance, the exercise will be clearly identified as a drill when it begins. It will not include simulated gunfire, actors portraying an assailant, or other elements intended to mimic an actual attack. Students who determine that evacuation would be the safest response will simulate that action by moving to a vestibule area rather than fully exiting the building until the drill is complete.
Once the drill begins, messaging will also be posted on the FHS website and outdoor marquee informing the community that a lockdown drill is underway. We recognize that even the word “lockdown” can cause concern. Our goal is to conduct the drill in a calm and supportive manner while giving students and staff an opportunity to practice procedures that could help protect them during an emergency.
Parents and guardians may exempt their student from participating in the walk-through lockdown drill for any reason. Students who do not participate will receive alternative school safety instruction in a less sensory format. To request an exemption, or if you have questions, concerns, or information that may help us better support your student, please contact Assistant Principal Kevin Farrell at 847-755-2616 or kfarrell@d211.org.
School safety is a shared responsibility. Students and families should report concerning information directly to a trusted adult or school administrator. Concerns may also be submitted through the Safety Concern button on every student’s iPad and on the FHS website. Reports may be made anonymously, although providing contact information often helps administrators investigate and respond more effectively.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping Fremd High School safe and welcoming for our students, staff, and community.
Remember to take a moment to log your community service hours in Maia Learning! See the attachment below for details on how to put them into your account.
Families - although you are not able to enroll in the course as a family member, you can follow Fremd Events notifications if your child is enrolled and if your notifications are set to alert you of course updates.
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William Fremd High School
Mark Langer, Principal
Email: mlanger@d211.org
Website: https://adc.d211.org/Domain/9
Location: 1000 South Quentin Road, Palatine, IL, USA
Phone: 847-755-2600