Safety & Security
Providing safe and secure learning environments.
At White Bear Lake Area Schools, providing safe, nurturing learning environments is central to our mission. Safety continues to be a top priority across our district. Our staff are trained in comprehensive safety protocols, and we regularly practice emergency drills with students to ensure everyone knows how to respond in a crisis. In addition, we’ve made important updates to our building security systems to help us monitor and respond to potential concerns more effectively.
We are also fortunate to have strong partnerships with our local law enforcement and first responders, who have conducted training exercises in our buildings to support their preparedness and strengthen our shared commitment to safety.
Visitor Procedures
Visitors at each of our buildings must check in at the main office or reception desk and provide a driver's license or state identification to be processed through the district's visitor management system.
District policies related to building visits:
Emergency Response / Standard Response Protocol
To help our staff and students be better prepared in the event of an emergency, our district has adopted the Standard Response Protocol.
The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is a standardized system that provides clear, consistent language and actions for students, staff, and first responders during an emergency. The video below explains some of our safety protocols, including how we implement the SRP actions—Secure (Lockout), Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter, and Hold—in our schools.
SRP Parent handout (also available in other languages)
Throughout the year, our students and staff at each building participate in a minimum of:
- 5 Lockdown/Secure drills
- 5 Evacuate/Fire drills
- 1 Shelter/Severe Weather Drill
The SRP was developed by the "I Love U Guys" Foundation to ensure a coordinated and effective response in emergencies. Learn more about the "I Love U Guys" Foundation here.
Reunification / Standard Reunification Method
At White Bear Lake Area Schools, student safety is always our top priority — not just during the school day, but in how we respond to emergencies. In the event of a situation where students need to be picked up, we follow a clear and secure process called the Standard Reunification Method (SRM).
Parent Handout (also available in other languages)
This method is built to do one important thing: help bring families back together as safely, calmly, and efficiently as possible.
What to Know About SRM
If a reunification is needed:
- You’ll receive instructions from the district through ParentSquare, the district website, and official social media channels
- Only approved adults will be allowed to pick up students. Be ready to show a photo ID
- The process may take time — our staff will be working carefully to ensure every student is accounted for and released to the correct person
Why This Process Matters
In an emergency, things can feel overwhelming. SRM helps by creating structure. It’s designed to:
- Protect students and staff by keeping things organized
- Reduce confusion and stress during a difficult time
- Allow emergency responders and school staff to focus on safety
- Make sure families are reunited with care and accuracy
We know that in a crisis, your first instinct may be to go directly to your child’s school. But arriving too early or outside of the established process can cause delays or safety concerns. That’s why we ask families to wait for official communication before heading to a reunification site.
We’re Prepared — and You Can Be Too
Our schools train regularly on emergency procedures, including reunification. By knowing what to expect and staying informed, you’re helping us protect your child and every student in our care.