Safety Resources

Safety Environments

The Lawndale Elementary School District continually assesses our safety practices as a part of our commitment to safe learning environments (District Goal 4). 

Priority 1 - Mental Health and Wellness

Taking care of mental health needs and maintaining a sense of connectedness with others is extremely important. The LESD Student Support Services Department provides resources and helps to support the Lawndale community. 

Counseling promotes affirmation, respect, and equal opportunity for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Counseling also promotes awareness of issues related to sexual orientation/gender identity among students, teachers, administrators, parents and the community.  The Lawndale Elementary School District is committed to eliminate barriers that impede student development and achievement in academics, career and personal/social development of all students.

Priority 2 - Site Security

The District uses best-practices for maintaining site security. This includes: 

• Partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for a School Resource Officer (SRO). 
• Single point of entry with a visitor management check-in and screening process (learn more here).
• Clearly marked school boundaries, perimeter security (fences, gates, etc.), and consistent signage. 
• Cameras, lights, and keyless door systems. 
• Annual safety plan review with School Site Councils, Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, and other stakeholders. 

Priority 3 - Communication

Maintaining regular communication with stakeholders regarding school safety and related resources is a priority at Lawndale. This includes: 

• Utilizing a mass-communication tool (Blackboard, classdojo) to email, text, or call staff and parents. 
• Keeping the community up-to-date with new safety initiatives (please be sure to read our newsletter on Fridays). 
• Maintaining an anonymous tip reporting system (call or text WeTip at 844-310-9878 or click here. 

Priority 4 - Policy & Training

Policies, plans, and regular training are a priority for maintaining safe school environments and ensuring staff are ready to respond and support. This includes:

• Annually, the District updates the Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) for each school site. 
• Board policies and administrative regulations are in place. 
• Training is provided for recognizing and responding to behaviors of concern. 
• De-escalation strategies are used inside and outside of the classroom, as appropriate. 
• Trauma informed response and awareness is embedded into SEL development. 
• Digital safety training occurs throughout the school year, which includes an acceptable-use policy and tips to be a good digital citizen. 

Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is an approach that promotes walking and bicycling to school. Nationally, 10%–14% of car trips during morning rush hour are for school travel. SRTS initiatives attempt to improve safety and levels of physical activity for students. SRTS activities can be an opportunity to try taking more trips on foot or bicycle. Choosing an active transportation mode can provide community benefits, health benefits, environmental benefits, improved test scores, and decreased traffic (source: U.S. Department of Transportation). 

Note: The City of Lawndale provides crossing guard services for City street crossings. In July, the City Council voted to eliminate the guards at Manhattan Beach Blvd./Prairie Ave. and Marine Ave./Freeman Ave. 

To learn more about the Safe Routes to School program, click here.

Environmental Safety

Monitoring of heat and air quality are essential for maintaining safe and healthy environments. 

Heat Illness Prevention

Heat stress is the overall effect of excessive heat on the human body and can lead to heat-related illnesses if proper measures aren’t taken. When the body’s temperature control system is overworked, people can suffer from minor conditions such as heat cramps, heat syncope, and heat exhaustion, as well as a more severe condition known as heat stroke. Most heat illnesses occur when you are exposed to the heat for a long period of time. Normally, the body is able to cool itself by sweating but during hot weather, and especially during humid conditions, sweating is just not enough. Instead, the body temperature can rise to dangerous levels.

Please find the following recommendations for monitoring heat-related illness:

ExtremeHeat_HeatRelatedIllness.pdf (PDF)

Air Quality

The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) colored flag program is used for determining how to respond to air quality issues in our area. To determine local air quality, visit the EPA AirNow and South Coast Air Quality Management District AQMD websites. 

Please find the following recommendations for specific air quality conditions: 

school-outdoor activity guidance.pdf (PDF)