Quick Reminder: As we return on Monday, Sept. 8th, we are expecting parents/family members to say their goodbyes outside of the building and have students walk in on their own! We will continue to have plenty of staff up front, ready to assist.
Thank you for your help in making our building safe!!
Dear Families,
At school, one of our highest priorities is keeping students safe while ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for each day. A key part of that work is helping children understand what to do in different safety situations through something called the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), developed by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation.
The SRP uses simple, consistent language that students can easily understand. Words like Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter are introduced in a calm and age-appropriate way, so children know what to expect and how to respond if a situation ever arises. For example, “Evacuate” may simply mean leaving the building during a fire drill, while “Hold” might mean staying in the classroom while the hallways are cleared.
When we practice these responses with our elementary students, we focus on safety, confidence, and reassurance. We remind them that just like practicing a fire drill or learning how to cross the street, these drills are about being prepared, not about being scared. Teachers take time to answer questions and use positive, supportive language so children understand that adults are here to keep them safe.
Families often ask how to talk about these protocols at home. We encourage you to use the same simple terms your child hears at school and to keep the tone calm and matter-of-fact. Phrases like, “We practice so we all know what to do, just like practicing seatbelts in the car,” can help children see these routines as normal and important.
We appreciate your partnership as we work together to build both a safe environment and a strong sense of security for all our students. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please see below for a few examples of why each protocol could be used. If you want to continue the conversation with your child, these might be a good starting point.
Warmly,
Matt Esterby
Principal
If you are looking for some specific details to talk to your child about the need for SRPs, here are three examples per action item. These items are meant to be used in a casual and non-threatening way, yet give some context of their individual use. Thank you for talking with your child about these topics.
Hold
Medical Emergency in Hallway: EMS needs access, so students “hold” in their classrooms.
Custodial Cleanup: A spill makes the hallway dangerous or disgusting, requiring students to stay put until maintenance is finished.
Behavioral Incident in Hallway: A dysregulated student requires the hallway to be cleared while adults intervene and restore order.
Secure
Wild Animal on Campus: A stray dog or raccoon is outside, so everyone remains indoors with doors locked.
Law Enforcement Activity Nearby: Police activity in the surrounding neighborhood prompts securing the building’s outer doors.
Unfamiliar Person Outside: Someone is seen lingering by an entrance, so everyone is called inside and the doors are locked.
Lockdown
Unknown Person/Intruder Inside: Someone enters the school who has not checked in or been identified, prompting a lockdown.
Parental Custody Dispute Escalates: A parent shares their frustration that occurs inside the building, leading staff to initiate a lockdown for safety.
Threatening Behavior by a Visitor or Student: Aggressive threats, physical confrontation, or another unpredictable situation from a visitor or student within the school.
Evacuate
Fire Alarm: The fire alarm rings and everyone follows planned exit routes outside.
Gas Leak: The smell of gas leads staff to immediately evacuate all students and personnel from the building.
Mechanical Failure (e.g., Power Outage): Systems fail and the building is deemed unsafe for normal activities, so students are evacuated to a safe location.
Shelter
Tornado Warning: Severe weather warning signals, so everyone moves to designated storm-safe areas.
Hazardous Materials Spill Nearby: A spill at a nearby facility requires the school to shelter in place.
Flooding Threat: Rapidly rising water or flash flood warnings mean students and staff must move to upper levels or interior rooms to shelter.
Build a Partnership: A pre-school meeting helps establish a strong partnership between the family and the teacher right from the beginning.
Share about individual needs: It provides a valuable opportunity for parents to discuss their child's unique needs, strengths, challenges, and learning styles in a quiet, private setting. This information allows the teacher to better understand and support the child from day one.
Easing 1st-day jitters: Meeting the teacher and seeing the classroom beforehand can significantly reduce anxiety for both the child and the parent on the first day of school. The familiar face and environment make the transition smoother and more comfortable.
Personalize the experience: The one-on-one interaction allows the teacher to get to know the child as an individual, beyond just their name on a roster.
Creating a safe place: Knowing the teacher on a personal level helps the child view the classroom as a safe and welcoming space. This sense of security is vital for learning and social development.