Safe Environments

Supporting students’ mental health and fostering a strong sense of connection are essential to student well-being. The LESD Student Support Services Department provides resources and support to students, families, and the broader Lawndale community.

Our counseling services are designed to support the whole child, promoting affirmation, respect, and equitable access for all students. This includes students experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, or other mental health needs, as well as students with disabilities and those from diverse racial, cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds.

These services also help build awareness and understanding across the school community, ensuring that students, staff, and families feel supported and included.

The Lawndale Elementary School District is committed to removing barriers that may hinder student growth and achievement, ensuring that all students are supported in their academic, career, and personal-social development.

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.
• 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. 

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

• Utilizing a mass-communication tool (ParentSquare) to email, text, or call staff and parents. 
• Keeping the community up-to-date with new safety initiatives (please be sure to read our newsletters). 
• Maintaining a uniform complaint process and an anonymous tip reporting system (call or text WeTip at 844-310-9878 or visit the WeTip website. 

Policies, plans, and regular training include:

• The annual review and update of the Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) for each school site. 
• Board policies and administrative regulations.
• Training in recognizing and responding to behaviors of concern. 
• De-escalation strategies inside and outside of the classroom, as appropriate. 
• Trauma-informed response and awareness 
• Digital safety training, including an acceptable-use policy and tips to be a good digital citizen. 

Air quality conditions can impact student health and outdoor activities, particularly for individuals with asthma, respiratory conditions, or other health needs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses a color-coded flag system to indicate air quality levels and guide appropriate responses to changing conditions.

Schools monitor local air quality conditions using resources such as the EPA AirNow website and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). When air quality levels reach unhealthy ranges or when advisories are issued, school sites follow established guidelines to adjust outdoor activities as needed to help protect student and staff health. Families are also notified and provided with recommendations, especially for students who may be more sensitive to poor air quality.

To check current air quality conditions, visit the EPA AirNow and South Coast Air Quality Management District website.