Safety & Security

Each school has two evacuation sites (primary and secondary) that are designated for situations where students and staff must exit the building for a period of time. Sites were identified in partnership with the Shakopee Police Department.

The district has chosen to use “Evacuation Safe Zones” for the event someone isn’t able to evacuate the building in an emergency situation. All locations are identified and marked with signage (there have been changes to select locations).

In addition, two reunification sites have been identified to support a building in reunifying families with students after a major evacuation. Should a situation arise where an evacuation or reunification exercise is necessary, the district Communications department will notify all primary and secondary guardians listed in Infinite Campus via phone, text and email. Notifications may also be posted on all district websites, the Shakopee Police Department's website, social media channels and/or applicable media (depending upon the situation). 

Empowering the 1,000+ staff members in the district in various situations is an ongoing need and takes consistent practice and knowledge sharing. The district’s Multi-tiered Safety Matrix is designed to empower staff using the I Love You Guys Foundation, Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and assistance from the Shakopee Police and Fire Departments to guide staff and student response in the event of an emergency.

The Multi-Tiered Safety Matrix categorizes incidents into two main parts. The first part covers situations like a Hold or Secure, where support may be needed, but classroom activities can continue as usual. These are the most common incidents and might affect specific areas or the entire building. 

The second part of the matrix addresses emergencies that require immediate action from everyone, using terms like Lockdown, Evacuate or Shelter. A Lockdown, specifically, initiates a unified, options-based protocol that empowers staff and students to quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect lives. These safety terms were developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation.

Shakopee Public Schools implemented the Raptor Visitor Management System during the 2019-20 school year. The system enhances school security by reading visitor drivers’ licenses (or other approved government-issued ID) and comparing information to a sex offender database. Potential matches will alert school administrators and local police that a match has been found. When a visitor is cleared through the system, a visitor badge is produced that may include a photo of the visitor. All visitors are required to utilize this system.

All staff members of Shakopee Public Schools must wear a current district issued ID badge, with a photo, when present in a school building/district office during school hours at all times. Those that do not have a proper badge present will be asked to leave.

Shakopee Public Schools card reader system allows the cardholder to lock down buildings automatically. Once the card scans, the system can lock exterior doors (that have card readers) in the event of an emergency. 

The Buildings and Grounds Department is also able to schedule when doors (with card readers) are locked/unlocked. Card access is required for all exterior entrances and other secure areas within each building. Card access is managed by employee.

Security cameras are installed in heavily used hallways, common areas, entrances and exits in Shakopee schools. More than 600 cameras are installed throughout the district.

All secondary students must carry their current school-provided ID at all times and show the ID when requested by school staff. Failure to show an ID when requested may result in administrative intervention. If a student arrives late to school, they must enter through the secured main office and show their ID before being allowed to enter the building.  

“Hanging Out” - Students are required to leave the building after school unless participating in a school activity or working with a staff member.  Loitering (hanging out) is not allowed.  If a student needs a ride home, please make arrangements ahead of time to avoid waiting in the entrance areas.

Please refer to each student handbook for exact times where students are directed to enter and exit the building each school day.

As part of district effort to continuously improve our approach to school safety and crisis planning, we have implemented the PREPaRE framework. PREPaRE stands for:

• Prevent (and prepare for psychological trauma)
• Reaffirm (physical health and perceptions of security and safety)
• Evaluate (psychological trauma risk)
• Provide (interventions) & respond (to psychological needs)
• Examine (the effectiveness of crisis prevention and intervention)

PREPare is a framework that was developed by the National Association of School Psychologists as part of their decade-long journey in providing evidence-based resources and consultation related to school crisis prevention and response.  School crisis' are relatively unique and require their own model, school climate and safety are associated with academic achievement, and at some point all schools may experience some level of crisis.

Attendees in workshops consistently include counselors, principals, front office administrative assistants, district administrators, custodians and school psychologists. Continual training is provided to ensure staff are prepared each school year to support such crisis needs.