What Parents Should do if there is a School Emergency
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 messaging system. The message will provide as much details as is available at the time. Additional messages will be sent alerting families to what is taking place and next steps. In some cases, local media, as well as, the District’s website and social media sites will be used to communicate information.
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. Research and articles indicate 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 students 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 messaging systems. If a student is injured, the families of those children will be notified directly. (Click here to sign up for the district text messaging system)
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.