Each fall, Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 hosts local first responders and school administrators from Oak Lawn and surrounding communities for the Oak Lawn Annual First Responders Meeting. This event provides a valuable opportunity for participants to collaborate on school safety protocols and crisis response strategies, emphasizing the importance of continuous evaluation and improvement.
Through this collaboration, police officers, firefighters, and school leadership share insights to enhance safety measures across all schools in the area. This year’s meeting reinforced the shared commitment to ensuring that every student learns in a supportive and safe environment, an essential goal within District 123’s Strategic Plan.
Discussions centered on the effectiveness of anonymous reporting tools, as well as key physical safety measures, including access control and visitor management systems. Participants also examined the growing challenges of internet and social media safety, including the emerging impact of artificial intelligence on student behavior. The meeting also featured extensive coverage of active threat response training for staff, students, and first responders, along with a strong focus on reunification plans and the use of digital tools to support efficient crisis management.
“The annual First Responders Meeting plays a vital role in strengthening communication and coordination between our community schools and first responders. By aligning safety procedures and sharing the latest information on emerging threats and best practices, participants work together to enhance preparedness and build the trust needed to keep our schools safe.” - Kathleen Spreitzer, Director of Literacy and Intervention, and Craig Zelhart, D123 School Resource Officer.