Superintendent Statement on Safety at Dismissal
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,
Our highest priority at Evanston Township High School is the safety and security of our students. Ensuring their well-being on and around campus is central to our mission as a school community. We know that students and families place their trust in us each day, and we take that responsibility seriously.
In two recent incidents during student dismissal, including one that occurred yesterday off campus, students were harassed, threatened, and physically assaulted by adult individuals. We recognize that these incidents have understandably raised safety concerns for ETHS students, families, and staff. Please know that we take these concerns seriously and are working in close partnership with the Evanston Police Department and the City of Evanston to strengthen safety measures in the areas surrounding ETHS and to provide additional support for students as they travel to and from school.
As part of these efforts, the EPD has assigned a new School Resource Officer (SRO) to ETHS whose schedule aligns with student dismissal times. This ensures the SROs are present in the surrounding area, including nearby businesses and public spaces, when students are leaving campus. In addition, the department will deploy extra patrols at dismissal to further support student safety. These measures build on EPD’s steadfast response to incidents around ETHS. We are committed to continued collaboration with local authorities to ensure that those who jeopardize student safety are held accountable and kept away from our campus.
We understand that events like this can be unsettling, particularly at the start of a new school year. All students, staff, and families are encouraged to remain alert and report any behaviors or situations that may pose a threat to the safety of our school community. In recent years, we have worked diligently to increase campus safety measures. This ongoing work has included expanded security resources, investments in updated safety infrastructure, and deepened partnerships with law enforcement and other city partners.
If you observe or hear anything that could threaten student or staff safety, please contact the Safety Office at (847) 424-7500 (non-emergency), text ‘ETHS’ to 274367 (CRIMES), submit an anonymous tip, or notify any staff member. In an emergency, always call 911.
Let's continue to care for one another, reach out when support is needed, and remember that ETHS offers resources to assist you.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.
Marcus A. Campbell, Ed.D.
Superintendent