Health & Safety

Creating Safe Spaces
bus evacuation photo
SRO with Student 2
Fire Safety GW-3
SRT Training 7
SRT Training
Bus Seat Belts
SRT Training 1

FAST FACTS

– For more than 20 years, the district has had a Student Resource Officer, which is a joint position with the Keokuk Police Department.

– Students at every grade level participate in drills, including bus evacuations, storms, active shooter, and more.

– Staff participate in safety training, including A.L.I.C.E. training and more.

– Our buildings are locked during school hours and visitors must check-in at the school office.

– Security cameras are being updated through a School Safety Improvement Grant from the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

– Secure entrances have been added and continue to be updated.

– KHS has mental health-focused student organization, the Lighthouse Project .

– A S.A.V.E. Kids (Self-defense Against Violence & Exploitation)
program has been held at KMS.

– The district celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month in May to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of supporting one another. 

Report Bullying
If you would like to report inappropriate behavior or a bullying situation that you have witnessed at any of the Keokuk Schools in the Keokuk Community School District, you can submit a form here or please call your child's school by using the Directory. You do not have to include your personal information.
Name
School Building
  • To submit a formal complaint, go to your (child’s) school or contact the Central Administration Office. 
  • NOTE | Any complaints submitted on the website will be routed to the school administrators and the School Resource Officer (SRO).

MENTAL HEALTH

By encouraging open conversations about mental health that are based in positivity and kindness, we help both children and adults feel seen and understood. We can create a more inclusive space where everyone feels valued during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond.

FAST FACTS:

  • – By encouraging open conversations about mental health that are based in positivity and kindness, we help both children and adults feel seen and understood.
  • – Mental health issues are more common than you think. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience a mental health condition every year. Among children and teens, 1 in 5 has a probable mental health disorder (NIMH) (ADAA).
  • – 31.9% of adolescents aged 13-18 in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder and 19.1% of adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder.
  • – Self-care is vital for mental health and resilience.

Stigma surrounding mental health can be a significant barrier for those seeking support and it often arises from misconceptions. Reducing stigma starts with simple actions:

  • Talk openly about mental health and use supportive language. 
  • Challenge stereotypes when you hear them. 
  • Share your stories. 
  • Encourage others to seek help when they need it.

Here are some self-care tips to get started:

  • Physical Activity: Exercise or a daily walk can boost your mood.
  • Healthy Eating: Eat balanced meals and drink plenty of water.
  • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Meditation or deep breathing can reduce stress.
  • Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night.

The district employs at least one guidance counselor at each school building and KHS has a full-time licensed mental health counselor in the guidance office. Also, family liaisons work in the district to provide aid for students and families and a licensed social worker works within the school district with any students that need services.

The Lighthouse Project was formed at KHS as several students wanted to bring more focus to mental health issues. There are 15-20 high school students in the group that meet regularly.

For a fundraiser, the Lighthouse project created yard signs that say “Don’t give up,” “You matter” and “You are enough. The students decided on the signs because “you never know what people are going through.”

Also, the Iowa Health State Initiative  is offering new resources and events to empower Iowans in spreading awareness of mental health.

In May, the district and KHS student organization,The Lighthouse Project, work to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of supporting one another. Mental Health Awareness Month in May recognizes that mental health matters as much as physical health. It’s an opportunity to learn, share, and connect with others in meaningful ways.

We work together to raise awareness and work toward a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone. Mental Health Awareness Month is a time of connection, compassion, and growth and together, we can break the stigma and support each other on this journey.

A district-wide Green Out is held for students and staff in support of mental health awareness month.

Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels supported and valued.

Resources:

  • Therapists and Counselors: Licensed professionals can provide guidance and support.
  • Hotlines and Crisis Lines: If you’re in distress, these services offer immediate help.
  • Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be comforting.
    • Community Action of Southeast Iowa has a great list of local resources and it includes support groups! Click the link and navigate to Lee County’s resource guide for more information. https://caofseia.org/resources/#resourceguides
  • Online Resources: Websites and apps offer information and tools to manage mental health.

Check out the brightn app for mental wellness activities! https://www.brightn.app/

STUDENT HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Medical Documents: Doctor’s Office copy of your child’s Current Immunization Record or Exemption Certificate
Immunizations must be on file with the school nurse prior to the child starting school. Iowa law requires a parent to verify proper immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and varicella to enroll in school. At least one dose of each immunization must be given before starting school. An immunization form may be provided by a child’s healthcare provider, it is also linked below.

Iowa Immunization Requirements: Iowa Code, Chapter 139a.8(6) and Iowa Administrative Code, 641-7.7(139) outline the immunization requirement for students attending licensed child care centers and elementary or secondary schools. Students shall have received the required immunizations and submit the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Certificate of Immunization or have a valid Certificate of Immunization Exemption, or Provisional Certificate of Immunization.

The goal of the Iowa Department of Public Health, Immunization Program is to reduce and ultimately eliminate the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases by working in conjunction with public and private health care providers throughout the state. Accomplishing this goal will require achieving and maintaining high vaccination coverage levels, improving vaccination strategies among under vaccinated populations, prompt reporting and thorough investigation of suspected cases and rapid institution of disease control measures.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Bureau of Immunization, has completed the administrative rules process to require meningococcal (A, C, W, Y) vaccine for students enrolling in 7th and 12th grades. The administrative rule change was effective January 11, 2017, and will be implemented at the beginning of the upcoming 2017-2018 school year. The immunization requirements chart from the Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 7, Immunization and Immunization Education is available here.

Immunization Form

Students entering preschool and kindergarten are required by School Board Policy 507.01: Student Health and Immunization Certificates to submit a physical exam form.

Required by Iowa law, dental screenings are to be completed for all students entering kindergarten and ninth grade. Students entering kindergarten must have had a screening completed no sooner than three years of age and no later than four months after school enrollment. It can be completed by a licensed doctor, advanced registered nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nurse, dental hygienist, or a dentist. The results of this screening need to be submitted to your school nurse on the designated form linked to the below button.

Dental Screening Form

The State of Iowa requires students entering kindergarten and third grade to have a vision screening prior to the first day of school.  This exam can be completed by a licensed eye doctor or optometrist, your child’s health care provider at the time of his or her school physical, a free clinic, or a county health department. A screening will be valid if it is done up to 1 year prior to enrollment and no later than six months after enrollment.  The results of this screening need to be submitted to your school nurse on the designated form linked to the below button.

Vision Screening Form

Your child’s health conditions should be kept-up-to-date on school medical records. Health conditions such as ADHD, asthma, diabetes, heart problems, or seizures, just to name a few, should be on the school records.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS | The school needs at least three working emergency phone numbers to use in case we are unable to reach you.

Physical Examination

ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFO

The Keokuk School Board has developed a Helpful Guide for Successfully Solving Problems at School for students and families to reference.

Ask Family Liaisons for additional resources for landing page.

Leave No Harm: Concerned for your student or another student? Fill out this Leave No Harm form and let us know how we can help.

Abuse

Addiction & Drug Abuse

  • Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services (ADDS): 1-319-524-4397
  • Alcoholics Anonymous: 1-319-372-6837
  • Al-Anon and Alateen: 1-800-356-9996
  • Cocaine Hotline: 1-800-262-2463
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse: 1-800-533-1616
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse: 1-800-638-2045

Bullying/Harassment

Clothing & Household Needs

  • Salvation Army: 1-319-524-1144 and 1-319-524-6164

Criminal Justice

  • Iowa State Juvenile Home (Toledo, IA): 1-515-484-2560
  • Iowa State Patrol: 1-800-525-5555
  • Probation Officer (adult): 1-319-524-6591
  • Probation Officer (juvenile): 1-319-524-6122

Divorce

Education

  • G.E.D. Testing (Southeastern Community College): 1-319-524-3221
  • Great River Area Education Agency #16: 1-319-524-2682
  • Homework Hotline: 1-800-728-6450

Employment

Food Insecurity

  • Weekend Food Bags, email kellie.granera@keokukschools.org to receive weekend food bags on Fridays.

Health

  • AIDS Information: (800) 342-2437
  • Food Addiction: 1-800-872-0088
  • Iowa Teen Health Line: (800) 443-8336
  • Lee County Public Health Nurse: 1-319-524-4423
  • Legalized Abortions (Carthage, Illinois): (217) 357-2173
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases: 1-800-227-8922

Housing

  • Keokuk Emergency Shelter (Safe Haven): 1-319-524-4445

Internet Access

  • If a student has online classes without sufficient internet access at home, email tyler.hardcastle@keokukschools.org or contact the guidance counselor office at KHS.

Mental Health

Other

  • Missing Person’s Clearinghouse: 1-800-346-5507
  • National Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-621-4000

What is Bullying?​

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time, according to the Iowa Board of Education.

In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:

  • – An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.​
  • – Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.​

Online Resources​

KSB Anti-Bullying & Harassment Policy

The current SRO, Officer Allyson Dade, also works with the administration on conflict resolution through de-escalation and other means, and her presence acts as a deterrent to criminal behavior.

The KPD said the SRO has improved the relationship between the police and the youth in the community through counseling, mediation and referrals to professional services for drug rehabilitation, medical assistance, physiological needs, child abuse services and family counseling.

The SRO also monitors the secure entrance at KHS where students enter and she makes trips daily to the other school locations. Additionally, duties include:

  • – School traffic checks during drop offs and pickups, especially where the buses are unloading and loading.
  • – Interacting with the students during passing times and lunch at KHS.
  • – Handling any calls for service that need law enforcement interaction within the school district.
  • – Helps the school faculty resolve issues that are not necessarily criminal matters, such as disorderly behaviors and mistreatment of other students or staff, before it could become a criminal incident.
  • – Educate students and staff on law enforcement concerns, such as crime trends, safety threats, community news and the juvenile justice system.

IOWA REQUIRED TRAINING

  • Abuse of Students by School Employees
  • Child and Dependent Adult Abuse
  • Hazardous Chemical Risks— Right to Know
  • Medication Administration to Students
  • Multicultural Gender Fair Approaches (MCGF), Diverse Learners
  • Occupational Exposure to Blood or Other Potentially Infectious Materials
  • Suicide Prevention Intervention and Prevention and ACES

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

  • ALICE Training
The Lee County, Iowa, Special Response Team (SRT) holds active threat training to practice basic room clearing in schools. The unit trains twice a month at different county schools to review layouts and is comprised of members of the Keokuk Police Department, Fort Madison Police Department, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. Members try out for the unit and must pass advanced physical and firearms training. “We try to hit all of the schools in all of the towns throughout the year in case something does happen, so that way we will know where to go,” Captain Tanner Walden, KPD captain and SRT assistant team leader.

The district has been awarded a $250,000 School Safety Improvement Grant from the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in 2024. The Grant has been approved for $50,000 per school building and the district used the funds for new security cameras for each building. To be awarded the grant, KCSD provided the scope of work, milestones and the budget, which was then approved by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The funds come from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) and is awarded by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Funding through this federal program is for minor capital improvements for security enhancements from the approved categories. 

Spread Your Wings hosted the program Self-defense Against Violence & Exploitation at the Keokuk Middle School.

Program Focus: Training and empowering students and the adults in their lives to avoid, defend, and prevent abduction, exploitation, human trafficking and violence.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN

  • – Lures used by traffickers
  • – The human trafficking and exploitation process
  • – Red flags of trafficking
  • – Prevention strategies
  • – Safety and defense strategies

Also, they will learn how to empower kids to avoid risky behaviors that make them vulnerable to violence.

GOAL: To help those who care about youth to be courageous in keeping youth safe and give youth wings to soar to amazing lives free from violence and harm.