We use the Raptor Visitor Management System to vet and monitor who is coming in and out of our buildings. 

Prior to being allowed to enter our buildings, all visitors must scan their drivers’ license (or other approved government-issued ID). This produces a visitor badge that each visitor must wear for the duration of the visit.

The Raptor security system also compares your information to a sex offender database, and school administration and local police are alerted of potential matches. This provides an added layer of protection against visitors who are a potential safety threat.

ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) is a proactive, action-based system that empowers staff to get students away from danger following certain guidelines.

Go to our ALICE page to learn more.

Big Lake Schools is currently going though on-boarding and training for the PREPaRE training curriculum. PREPaRE is a framework developed by the National Association of School Psychologists that equips school personnel with skills needed to carry out an effective crisis response. The PREPaRE model is:

• P: Present and prepare for psychological trauma
• R: Reaffirm physical health and perceptions of security and safety
• E: Evaluate psychological trauma risk
• P: Provide interventions
• a: and
• R: Respond to psychological needs
• E: Examine the effectiveness of crisis prevention and intervention

We conduct emergency drills periodically throughout the year to prepare students and staff in case of an emergency.

Minnesota Statute requires schools to conduct a minimum number of the following drills to be conducted annually:

• lockdown drills (5)
• fire drills (5)
• tornado drill (1)

To ensure that only authorized students and staff enter into our buildings, entrance to our buildings is only permitted through our visitor entrances or with the use of an electronic credential door access system.

Security cameras are installed in most hallways, common areas, entrances, and exits. Big Lake Schools has over 200 cameras installed throughout the district.

The BusWhere app allows parents to track their child’s transportation and receive alerts when the bus is arriving. Our partner, Vision Transportation, is able to track all of their buses and ensure the continuous safety of all transported students.  

In partnership with Vision Transportation, all busses that transport Big Lake students are equipped with both stop-arm cameras and internal camera systems.

Stop-arm cameras help keep students safe and hold drivers accountable for driving violations related to school bus safety. 

Internal camera systems allow us to review situations on the bus so the driver can stay focused on the road.