SPS is committed to taking proactive measures to protect the safety of all our students and staff members. We have made preparations to deal effectively with emergency situations that could occur in or around the school while classes are in session. While we hope that a natural disaster or other serious incident never occurs, our goal is to be as prepared as possible for any potential emergency. Our priority at all times is to protect all students and staff from harm.
The district and all school facilities have crisis and safety plans. The plans are designed with the assistance of administrative staff members, as well as local law enforcement, emergency management, and public health officials. The plans, which are regularly reviewed and updated, include procedures to respond to a variety of crisis incidents. School district personnel practice the drills associated with some of these specific emergencies on a regular basis.
If you have any questions about your child or about your schools safety and support responses, please contact your school principal.
Crisis Communications
The Communications Department, in conjunction with emergency response teams, issues emergency information through a number of emergency message methods.
• General emergency messages, including early and late school openings and closings, are posted on the district Web site and social media channels.
• Emergency voicemail messages are made to the telephone number you have provided to your child's school as your primary contact number/s. Please be sure to keep your contact numbers updated.
Parent Procedures
In order for our emergency response plans to be effective, we must depend on the cooperation and assistance of many people, such as local police and fire departments. We also depend upon the parents of our students to support our efforts. Your cooperation is vital to helping us protect the safety and welfare of all children and school employees. Therefore, we ask parents to observe the following procedures during a crisis situation:
Do:
• Visit the district Web site and social media channels.
• Check your phone for a voice/text message from the school district's instant notification system.
• Talk to your children. Emphasize how important it is for them to follow instructions from their teachers and school officials during an emergency.
• Carefully read all information you receive from the school, as you may receive updates about SPS safety precautions from time to time.
Do not:
• Do not telephone the school, SAS, or Central Office. We understand and respect your concern, but it is essential that the telephone system be available for emergency communications.
• Do not come to the school or evacuation location unless you are instructed to do so. It may be necessary to keep the streets and parking lot clear for emergency vehicles. If evacuation is required, students may be transported to a location away from the school. You'll be notified of this through a variety of methods.