Student Safety and Support Systems
Creating safe, supportive, and connected school environments is foundational to student success. Safety is not defined by a single practice or program, but by a comprehensive system that ensures students are protected, supported, and cared for in every aspect of their school experience.
LESD approaches student safety through coordinated efforts that bring together emergency preparedness, supportive and inclusive school environments, and strong partnerships with families and the community. This includes clearly defined procedures for responding to emergencies, as well as ongoing efforts to build environments where students feel a sense of belonging and trust.
Equally important is the work happening every day to support student well-being and success through structured systems of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports, along with meaningful collaboration between schools and families.
Together, these interconnected efforts create a comprehensive framework that guides how we protect, support, and empower every student across our schools.
Emergency Preparedness
To ensure student safety and support emergency preparedness:
- We partner with the City of Lawndale, the County of Los Angeles, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure our schools are safe.
- Each school has a comprehensive safety and emergency response plan tailored for its campus that outlines how to respond to any crisis. We review and revise these safety plans annually to ensure they are current and based on best practices.
- LESD has an in-house Safety & Risk Coordinator who provides continuous safety training for our staff and heads the District Safety Committee.
- Our safety team is committed to ensuring we have the necessary materials and communication systems in place in the event of an emergency.
- Our team of Social Workers, School Psychologists, and Counselors is prepared to provide support for students and staff in any situation.
- We encourage everyone to say something if they see something directly to staff or through our WeTip reporting system.
Supportive & Inclusive School Environments
Student safety includes emotional safety, positive relationships, and a strong sense of belonging. In our district, supporting student well-being is a shared effort to ensure every student feels respected, valued, and supported. Our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) brings together academics, attendance, behavior, and social-emotional learning so students receive the right support at the right time.
At the core of MTSS is Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which builds a positive school culture through clear expectations, consistent instruction, and recognition of positive behavior.
MTSS includes three levels of support:
Tier I: Provides universal supports for all students through schoolwide PBIS expectations, social-emotional learning, strong attendance practices, enrichment opportunities, and family engagement. These proactive systems help create a safe, predictable, and supportive school environment.
Tier II: Provides targeted supports for students who need additional help, including attendance interventions, Check-In/Check-Out systems, mentoring, small-group counseling, and support for specific student groups. These services focus on early intervention and re-engagement.
Tier III: Provides intensive, individualized supports for students with the most complex needs, including counseling, home visits, crisis response, SARB processes, and coordinated support with families and community agencies.
Across all tiers, Student Support Services staff, including counselors, psychologists, and social workers, work together to help students overcome barriers and stay safe, connected, and successful.
Family & Community Partnerships
Be our partner in your student’s education and safety. LESD is proud to offer Family University to all district families. Family University strengthens the shared responsibility between schools and families to support student success through workshops, volunteer opportunities, and parent committees.
When families and schools work together, students benefit from stronger support, clearer communication, and a safer, more connected learning environment.
Each school has a Community Liaison and/or Community Schools Coordinator to help families engage. Contact your school today to join this shared commitment to your child’s education.