At EWSD, the safety of our students is our top priority. Together we can make our schools stronger and safer. Students teachers, parents, school administrators, local law enforcement, and community members have a role to play in creating a safe and secure environment for everyone. We also have a dedicated team of safety professionals who are committed to creating a safe learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Here are some of the ways that the District has engaged in safety and security preparedness efforts.

• We collaborate with local emergency planners and with our first response community on our school emergency preparedness efforts.
• The School and Public Safety Group also meets monthly with local emergency responders to review and evaluate our emergency procedures and stay up to date on emergency protocols from the State of Vermont.
• The EWSD has a strong relationship with our local law enforcement and we often work with these members to discuss potential crisis situations. EWSD also receives support from Mental Health Professionals through Essex Police Department and Howard Center. 
• Our schools also routinely practice safety drills to promote awareness and response to potential emergency situations.

Run Hide Fight/Resist

Essex Westford School District’s (EWSD) partnership with the Essex Police Department and our community’s First Responders around active threat response protocols began a couple of years ago. We are training to have a more flexible approach to responding to a possible active threat at one of our schools. Over time, starting with staff at our high school and technical center campus, EWSD will be rolling out the US Department of Homeland Security’s recommended protocol - Run, Hide, Fight/Resist. Learn more about our Active Threat Response work.

EWSD Reunification Process

In the event of an actual emergency, EWSD has created a reunification process. Find out more by watching the video below.

EWSD Reunification Video

Social-Emotional Learning

Another way that the District is strengthening school safety and security is through Social Emotional Learning (SEL) within the classroom. This effort reinforces the power of empathy, relationships, and seeks to develop environments where all learners feel safe and supported. Learn more about Social and Emotional Learning in EWSD.