LWSD hosts safety forum and reunification drill over summer, strengthening student and staff security

Safety Forum

On August 1, 2024, Lake Washington School District hosted a comprehensive safety forum at Overlake Christian Church, organized by the Risk and Safety Services Department. LWSD has partnered with Overlake due to its proximity to the district and because its campus meets or exceeds all the requirements necessary for a reunification site. This all-day event brought together 75 district leaders for a series of workshops and discussions aimed at enhancing school safety and resiliency.

The forum kicked off with a keynote speech by Susie Kroll, King County Sheriff, titled “The Safety of Resiliency.” Her address focused on the importance of wellness for school staff, particularly those who act as first responders in emergency situations.

Participants engaged in various workshops throughout the day, covering critical topics such as threat assessment, school investigation support and building-level safety committees. These sessions provided valuable insights and practical strategies for improving safety protocols within the district.

The event also featured a review and update of school safety information from Risk and Safety Services. Attendees had the chance to collaborate with Police, Fire and Emergency Management partners from Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish. This collaboration extended into a shared lunch, fostering stronger community ties and a unified approach to school safety.

The forum was a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff across Lake Washington School District. 

Reunification Drill

The next day, a comprehensive reunification drill was conducted at Overlake Christian Church, also organized by Risk and Safety Services. This event was designed to enhance the district’s preparedness and response capabilities in emergency situations.

The day began with a training session led by Raptor Technologies, the vendor behind the district’s Emergency Management platform. This platform is crucial for drill management, district emergency alerts and reunification processes. The training provided 65 district leaders with hands-on experience in using the system effectively.

In the afternoon, Risk and Safety Services, with support from Raptor staff, conducted two detailed drills. These drills were meticulously planned to simulate real-life scenarios, ensuring that participants could apply their morning training in a practical setting.

A key highlight of the day was the strong partnership with regional emergency managers. Fifteen emergency management professionals observed and evaluated the drills, providing formal written feedback. Their insights were invaluable in identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

The reunification drill was deemed very successful, thanks to the collaborative efforts and active participation of all involved. The feedback and experiences gained from this drill will significantly contribute to the district’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff.