Safe and Welcoming

Safe, supportive and welcoming schools play a pivotal role in ensuring students are engaged in learning and that nothing hinders their ability to achieve their best in the classroom. 

Duluth Public Schools works to engage parents, families, and our community because these relationships enhance a meaningful learning environment for our students and provide a stronger community for us all. We are committed to providing safe, welcoming environments where the uniqueness of each person is honored, respected and valued, recognizing that we all come from many different circumstances and cultures. It is in this spirit that we embrace high expectations of ourselves, our staff, and our students.

When students, staff and parents feel accepted and comfortable in the learning environment, everyone does better. 

Duluth Public Schools works to implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as an approach for helping schools select and organize evidence-based behavioral interventions into an integrated continuum that enhances social behavior outcomes for all students. 

Duluth Public Schools' bullying and harassment policies and procedures are reviewed annually and include staff training. Bullying or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at Duluth Public Schools. Find more information on our bullying policy and how to report an incident on our bullying page.

Emergency Procedures: Standard Response Protocol

Over the past decades the U.S. has seen a dramatic increase in school violence and school shootings. As the experts analyze these horrific events it is apparent that there is always room for improvement; not only taking steps in an attempt to prevent the event from occurring, but by training students and staff on procedures that we all need to get through a crisis in our schools.

The fact is, the Duluth Public Schools have taken great steps in the matter of securing our school buildings, from implementing monitored entry systems to installing additional cameras throughout. The most valuable step the district has taken is engaging our staff in emergency planning. Our staff have a diverse wealth of knowledge that we have used to revitalize our emergency response procedures with actionable steps for any emergency, not just the worst-case-scenario.

Duluth Public Schools has adopted and implemented the I Love U Guys Foundation Standard Response Protocol and Standard Reunification Method district-wide. These methods were developed specifically for use in a school setting and include varied responses based on the type of hazard. You can read more about these responses below.

The district has trained all staff members to make sure we are prepared to keep students safe if something were to happen in any of our schools.

Using the above Standard Response Protocol actions our staff and students have clear language and pre-determined plans to help them take the best course of action to keep everyone safe, regardless of the threat that is presented.

Younger students need constant reminders of safe practices (much like you may already do for ‘stranger danger’), in order for them to make good decisions related to their personal safety.  Parents can prepare their child(ren) for emergency response plans by helping them understand the following objectives at home:

• There are people, of all ages, color, and types that can be mean and may wish them harm.
• Self-confidence comes from trying things that are hard and getting better each time.
• There are many solutions and options when faced with a problem.
• When your child is prepared for difficult situations they can make informed decisions and will have more self-control.
• Your child is smart and capable.
• Help your child identify and assess possible crisis situations.
• Have your child demonstrate the ability to get away from someone who has their hands on them. (Stranger Danger)
• Have your child explain the different safety drills and what they mean. (HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE, SHELTER)
• Discuss the importance of following the teacher’s directions without hesitation.

Please contact the principal at your child’s school with any questions or concerns. Duluth Public Schools will continue to put your child’s safety as our top priority.

Emergency Procedures: Family Reunification 

The Duluth Public Schools is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. In the event of an emergency that requires student evacuation from school grounds and unable to return to their school, we have a comprehensive reunification process in place. These are the basic procedures we follow to safely reunite students with their families.

What is Reunification?

Reunification is the process of returning students to their families after an evacuation or other incident requiring students to be moved to a safe location. It is a carefully planned procedure that ensures the safety and accountability of every student. The Duluth School District utilizes the I Love U Guys Foundation Standard Reunification Method. This method is recognized and supported by our local law enforcement and emergency response agencies.

 Our procedures are designed to:

• Prioritize the safety and security of all students.
• Maintain accountability of students during and after the reunification process.
• Provide a structured and organized process for families.

Reunification Site Announcement

In the event students need to be picked up somewhere other than their school, the designated reunification site will be announced via official communication channels. These channels may include:

• Parent Square
• School website announcements
• Automated phone calls
• Text messages
• Email notifications

The specific reunification site will not be announced in advance to ensure the security of the location and the safety of our students. 

Parent Responsibilities

In preparation for a possible reunification event, we ask that parents/guardians:

1. Make sure their students have several emergency contacts listed. Only emergency contacts will be allowed to pick up a student from the reunification site. 

During a reunification event, we ask that parents/guardians:

1. Remain patient and follow official instructions.
2. If you have students at other schools, please be sure someone is able to pick them up or receive them from the bus as normal.
3. Do not come to the school. The students will not be at their regular school site. Go directly to the announced reunification site.
4. Bring photo identification to verify guardianship.
5. Avoid calling the school to keep phone lines open for emergency communications.

Student Safety is Our Priority

The safety of your children is our first and foremost priority. We understand that any evacuation or emergency situation can be stressful, and we strive to make the reunification process as smooth and efficient as possible. Our staff are trained and prepared to handle such situations with the highest level of professionalism and care.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these important matters. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child's school.