In the event of a school emergency, parents and families can support the District and their student(s) by remaining calm and waiting for accurate information to be sent through the District's phone messaging system. The message will provide as much detail as is available at the time. Additional messages will be sent alerting families to what is taking place and next steps. In some cases, the District's app, website, and social media sites will be used to communicate information.
Though it is natural for you as a parent or caretaker to want to come to the school or call the school during an emergency, we encourage you to support the District by doing the following:
Please do not come to the school.
We understand your desire to go to the school and the need to see your child, especially in a situation that feels scary. However, arriving at the scene before it is secure can interfere with the emergency response and puts you in danger. Past school emergencies have shown that one of the greatest challenges is how to manage the number of parents and concerned citizens rushing to the scene. By rushing to the school, parents can unintentionally create traffic jams that may block emergency responders from getting to the school or leaving if necessary to transport injured students or staff to emergency medical facilities. Families should not pick up their student unless given the direction to do so from the District.
Please do not call the school.
We ask that families do not call the school. This allows phone lines to stay open for communication with emergency personnel and school officials. it also helps school staff to remain focused on the safety of their students. The school and District will ensure information is shared via our phone messaging system. If a student is injured, the families of those children will be notified directly.
If your child texts or calls you, please keep them calm.
We know that during a school emergency many of our students will try to call or text their parent or guardian. If this occurs, we ask that you stay calm and reassuring. Encourage your student to follow the directions of school staff. To prevent confusion or added safety risks, ask them to turn off their cell phone and refrain from using social media.
Be prepared with photo ID:
In the event of an evacuation, the District will follow a standard reunification plan to ensure all students are safely returned to their families. During a reunification, families and/or individuals listed as an authorized person to pick up your child should do the following:
Bring valid form of identification (ID).
Follow signage and parking directions of reunification location.
Complete the provided reunification form.
Choose the check-in line that corresponds to your student's grade.
Provide school personnel at the check-in table with a valid form of photo ID and the completed reunification form.
Wait patiently as a District staff member retrieves and escorts your student to you.
Please note that only approved adults with valid photo identification will be allowed to pick up students from the evacuation location.