Planning for an emergency helps ensure the safety of your child and allows everyone to respond quickly and appropriately. Here are three key actions you can take to prepare for and respond to a school emergency:

1. Report Safety Concerns Immediately: If you see something, say something. Reporting potential safety issues is essential. Do not hesitate to contact a school representative directly—you can call your child's school office or the district office immediately with any concerns.
2. Review Emergency Protocols with Your Child: Talk to your child about the importance of following directions during an emergency. Encourage them to listen closely and follow the immediate lead of their teacher or any staff member. Their cooperation ensures their safety and the safety of the entire class.
3. Keep Contact Information Current: Ensure that all emergency contact information and authorized pick-up contacts are accurate and up-to-date. This vital information should be reviewed and updated at least once every school year and immediately following any changes to phone numbers, addresses, or guardianship.

The following actions are critical for the safety of your child and for the successful management of a crisis by emergency responders:

1. Do not call the school: Please refrain from calling the school phone lines during an active emergency. Tying up the phone system severely hampers the ability of school officials and emergency personnel to communicate crucial information as needed. Be assured that school officials will contact you with information as quickly as possible.
2. Do NOT Go to the School Site: Parents must not rush to the school. Rushing to the campus impedes traffic, which can delay emergency response vehicles from quickly reaching the scene. Furthermore, police will not allow anyone onto the school grounds until the situation has been fully resolved. For your safety and the smooth operation of the response, please wait for official instructions.
3. Stay Available for Communication: Keep your phone available to receive updates. We will use ParentSquare to contact the phone numbers/emails you have on file. This is how you will receive official updates on the situation and instructions regarding where student-parent reunification will take place, if necessary.

We appreciate you taking the time to review these essential policies regarding attendance, support services, and emergency preparedness. Following these guidelines helps us maintain accurate records, provide timely support, and ensure student safety. Should you require further clarification on any procedures, or if you need assistance addressing an attendance barrier, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's school principal or a school counselor at any time.