Safety Protocols & Procedures

1. Review importance of proactive communication with community

2. Review general safety and supervision practices

3. Review Emergency Response Protocols

4. Discuss different scenarios with table talks

5. Questions and conclude meeting

Goal for the newsletter: Develop and enhance our understanding of all proactive safety practices, emergency protocols and response systems that our staff at Freedom Elementary utilizes to keep our students safe.

• Our school leadership depends greatly on effective and honest communication between our school and greater community. Not all of our staff and administration live in this community, so it’s very important that our students and families help act as our eyes and ears in the community.

• If you ever hear or see something that is a concern, please reach out to our school administration to share that concern so that we can be as proactive as possible in intervening and solving any potential issue.

Our school depends on YOU to speak up when you feel like something isn’t right. We will always do everything we can to keep our students safe when they are act school, but we also depend on information from the community to best protect our students and staff!

Thank you for your proactive

communication with our school and for helping keep our students safe!

You are making a BIG difference!

When you are notified that a drill has occurred:

• Ask your child if they would like to talk about it and let their comments guide you. Some children would prefer not to talk about it, which is okay, too. Some children may simply want to spend some together with you in a shared activity with few words.
• If they share that they felt okay about the drill, reinforce that the purpose of the drill is to keep them safe by knowing what to do.
• If they share that they felt scared, sad, or nervous, acknowledge the feeling while directing the student towards ways they can lessen those negative feelings.
• Some things that may help them feel safer might include knowing their teacher is there with them and knowing they have practiced responding in a way that will keep them safe.
• You may also share a time when you felt scared and what helped you get through it.
• Maintain routines. Following your typical home routines helps everyone feel calm and safe.
• Most children will feel better with the passage of time and returning to their familiar activities.

Remember, our children take their cues from us. If we talk about drills as a routine way to practice safety, they will feel better about them too.

• Review with your child the family emergency plan, including reunification and communication options.

• Provide the school with information about any unique needs your children may have. You can do this by filling out an emergency information form and working with school health staff to be sure there is an emergency plan on file for your child. It should include information on health issues and what is needed during other school emergencies.

• Consider having back up/extra medication or other items at your child's school in case there is an emergency where your child needs to remain in the building for a longer period of time.

• Provide the school and your child's teacher with up-to-date contact information for family or friends who can pick up and care for your child if you are unavailable. Be sure to update this information as needed throughout the school year.

• Learn about the school's plan for emergency response, including parental access during emergencies, school emergency contact information, meet-up locations and other reunification plans.

• Advise the school if your child has special needs during a crisis or drill. This may include the need for assistance with mobility or communication during an evacuation or additional support due to anxiety or prior traumatic experiences.

Here are some example scenarios you can discuss with your child to reinforce school safety and Standard Response Protocols (SRP):

Lockdown (Locks, Lights, Out of Sight):

• Scenario: You are in the classroom, and your teacher announces a lockdown. What should you do?
  Answer: Stay quiet, follow the teacher's instructions, move to the safest part of the room, and remain out of sight until the "All Clear" is given.

• Scenario: You are in the hallway or restroom when a lockdown is announced. What do you do?
  Answer: Quickly move to the nearest safe location, such as the closest classroom or a secure area, and stay quiet.

Lockout (Secure the Perimeter):

• Scenario: A lockout is announced because of something happening outside the school. How should you respond?
  Answer: Stay inside, continue learning as directed, and avoid going near doors or windows.

Evacuate (To the Announced Location):

• Scenario: The fire alarm goes off, and your teacher begins evacuation procedures. What do you do?
  Answer: Stay calm, follow your teacher's directions, walk quietly in a single file, and meet at the designated location.

• Scenario: During an evacuation, you are separated from your class. What do you do?
  Answer: Go to the nearest adult or staff member and let them know you are separated.

Shelter (For Hazards Such as Severe Weather):

• Scenario: A shelter-in-place is announced due to a severe storm. How should you respond?
  Answer: Move to the designated safe area (such as a hallway or interior room), sit quietly, and follow the teacher's instructions.

General Situations:

• Scenario: You see someone or something unusual that makes you feel unsafe. What should you do?
  Answer: Immediately tell a teacher, staff member, or trusted adult.

• Scenario: During a drill or real emergency, you feel scared or unsure. How can you help yourself stay calm?
  Answer: Take deep breaths, listen closely to your teacher’s directions, and remember that these protocols are designed to keep everyone safe.

Discussing these scenarios will help your child feel more prepared and confident about responding safely in different situations.

• Our school leadership depends upon proactive communication from our school community. Please pay attention to what’s going on in the Freedom community and please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school leadership if you ever have a concern.

• Constant supervision and monitoring of all activities in school through staff supervision and cameras throughout school grounds ensure that we have “eyes on” at all times.

• Effective and efficient communication between all staff members through walkie-talkies, intercom system, email and cell phones when necessary. These communication methods help ensure the safety of our students.

All staff have been thoroughly trained on emergency response protocols.