SCHOOL SAFETY

From time to time, we have had a student or staff member experiencing a medical emergency within the building that requires the attention of a first responder. The HOLD action is used when we need students and staff to remain in their classrooms so that school officials and/or first responders can respond appropriately to the situation at hand.

During HOLD, it will be business as usual within each classroom but students will not change classes in order to keep the hallways clear.

Whenever there is an external issue that could impact school operations and/or safety, a school may implement the SECURE action. For example, a police chase in the vicinity or a nearby bank robbery may prompt this action. When a school is in SECURE, we will bring everyone inside and lock the perimeter doors.

While it will be business as usual inside the school, we will not let anyone in or out of the building during a SECURE action in order to ensure the safety of our students and staff. If you arrive at school during a SECURE action, you will not be able to enter the building. Law enforcement will guide us on when to lift a SECURE action. 

Whenever there is a safety and security concern within the school building, the school would likely implement the LOCKDOWN action in order to maintain the safety of students and staff. For example, a report of a weapon or a highly agitated person in the building may prompt this action. During a  LOCKDOWN action, students and staff will lock doors, turn out lights, and remain out of sight. The implementation of a LOCKDOWN action will also trigger security doors to lock within the building. Law enforcement and school administrators will coordinate the steps to release a LOCKDOWN action. Similar to previous safety protocol, students and staff will be prepared to evacuate or defend themselves based upon the information provided through school communications.

The EVACUATE action is implemented when there is a safety concern within the school building requiring immediate evacuation, such as a fire, gas leak, or external threat. During an EVACUATE action, students and staff will exit the building according to procedure and move to designated safety points. District administrators will work with first responders to determine any additional steps needed following the EVACUATE action.

The SHELTER action is implemented when students and staff need to take safety positions within the school building, such as during a tornado or a hazardous materials incident. When the SHELTER action is initiated, students and staff will follow procedures to take positions of safety in designated areas within the school. District administrators and first responders will collaborate on subsequent steps following the SHELTER action.