Niles school officials plan for crisis response

Niles Elementary School District 71 (Niles ESD 71) recently organized a village-wide communication and crisis planning workshop, bringing together representatives from all Niles school districts and first-responder departments.

The workshop, attended by more than 20 officials from Niles ESD 71, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64, East Maine School District 63, and the Village of Niles, aimed to strengthen communication and collaboration in the event of a crisis.

"Niles ESD 71 is dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for our students and a strong partnership with the broader community," said Niles ESD 71 Supt. John Kosirog. "This workshop was a valuable opportunity for all involved to share best practices, learn from each other, and ensure we are prepared to effectively communicate and collaborate."

The workshop, led by communications experts Holly Bartecki and Jessica Smith from Jasculca Terman Strategic Communications, included a seminar titled "Smart Strategies for Tough Times." The seminar focused on best practices for crisis communication planning and management, offering practical tips for communicating before, during, and after a crisis. Additionally, participants gained insights on how different organizations can work together effectively in the face of a school- or community-wide incident.

Following the seminar, an interactive table-top exercise facilitated by Jasculca Terman simulated a community-wide crisis scenario, allowing attendees to apply what they learned and to practice collaborating in a complex and challenging situation.

This workshop is a testament to Niles ESD 71's commitment to fostering collaboration and ensuring the safety and well-being of its students, staff, and the greater Niles community.