Emergency Response

Emergency Response Plans

All schools have comprehensive Emergency Response Plans that help them prepare for, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies that might occur in the district.

Depending on the type of emergency, staff are trained to follow specific safety procedures necessary during an emergency. 

Below are reminders of what to do and what may occur should the district implement one of the following procedures in response to a safety issue or emergency.

Student Reunification During Emergencies

Our top priority is your child’s safety. The Standard Reunification Method provides a clear, organized process to reunite students with their families during emergencies. We appreciate your cooperation and patience if this process is ever needed.

When Reunification Might Happen

Reunification is initiated when it is unsafe for students to remain at school. Examples include:

Severe weather events
Power or phone outages
Hazardous materials incidents
Criminal activity nearby
Active threats or violence at the school
Gas leaks or other emergencies

Note: Sometimes only part of the student population is released, depending on the situation.

In rare emergency situations, it may be necessary for students to leave school under a controlled and safe process called reunification. This may occur on-site or at another location if the situation warrants an immediate evacuation. To ensure every student is safely reunited with a parent or guardian, this page explains what parents need to know if a reunification occurs.

How the Reunification Process Works

The Standard Reunification Method provides a simple, organized approach to safely reunite students with parents or guardians during emergencies. Key steps include:

Establish a parent/guardian check-in location separate from student assembly areas.
Conduct attendance of students and staff in the assembly area.
Notify parents/guardians of the location and provide a Reunification Card.
Parents/guardians complete the card, verify identification, and receive a portion of the card for pickup.
Staff retrieve students from the assembly area and deliver them to parents/guardians.
Controlled lines of sight and organized pedestrian flows maintain safety, order, and reduce anxiety.
Contingencies for medical, notification, or investigative needs are anticipated.

Successful reunification focuses on managing both student and parent experiences efficiently and safely.

Step 1: Notification

Communication with parents and guardians is critical to the reunification process. Once students and staff are at the reunification site and staff is ready to begin the reunification process, a multi-channel message is sent to parents and/or guardians regarding where reunification will take place and what they need to bring with them.

Parents will be notified through an urgent alert which is sent as a phone call, text message, and email.

Step 2: Check-In

Parents arrive at the designated check-in location.
Bring photo ID to verify custody rights.
Receive a Reunification Card with instructions.
Complete the card while waiting in line; the card is perforated and helps track progress through the process.

Step 3: Student Retrieval

Parent gives the bottom portion of the card to a staff member (a “Reunifier”).
Student is brought from the assembly area to the parent in a controlled area.
Clear lines of sight and organized flow reduce stress and confusion.

Step 4: Special Circumstances

Multiple guardians or homes: Schools will communicate with all guardians as needed.
Parents unable to pick up immediately: Students will only be released to emergency contacts already on file.
High school students driving themselves: In some cases, older students may be allowed to leave on their own.

Tips for Parents During Reunification

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can pick up my student?

Anyone listed as an parent or emergency contact can pick up the student.

What if I can’t pick up my child immediately?

Students will remain at the reunification site until a parent or approved emergency contact can pick them up.

Why use Reunification Cards instead of electronic rosters?

During emergencies, Wi-Fi and cellular networks may be disrupted. The cards provide accountability and keep the parent/guardian experience calm and organized.

What if my student drove to school?

High school students may be released on their own in some cases. Parents are advised to coordinate pickup if a student is not allowed to leave independently.

Additional Information

Resources

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Fire

When the fire alarm sounds, calmly follow your teacher outside.
Report to the designated evacuation staging area.
Stay outside until "All Clear."
Reunification decisions with parents/guardians will be made by Incident Command.

Shelter in Place

In certain emergencies, such as hazardous materials incidents, please remain indoors (classroom or gym areas) and follow instructions from Incident Command.
Classroom or gym door seals and vents should all be sealed.
Reunification decisions with parents/guardians will be made by Incident Command.

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Earthquake

During an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Evacuate safely outside to evacuation staging site and wait for directions from staff.
Reunification decisions with parents/guardians will be made by Incident Command.

Hold

Clear the hallways and remain in room or area until the “All Clear” is announced.
Close classroom doors.
Account for students and staff.
Conduct classroom activities as usual.
Hold release will be announced by Principal or Designee.

Modified Lockdown

During a modified lockdown, exterior school doors are locked, classroom doors are locked and teaching continues as normal. There is no passing unless directed by Incident Command.
Reunification decisions with parents/guardians will be made by Incident Command.

Lockdown

During a lockdown, secure your classroom by locking the door, turning off the lights, and staying quiet. Follow other directions from Incident Command or First Responders, who may be on site.
Reunification decisions with parents/guardians will be made by Incident Command and communicated by the district.

Run-Hide-Fight

In the event of an active shooter event, remember to run if you can, hide if you are unable to run and, as a last resort, be prepared to fight to protect yourself.
Reunification decisions with parents/guardians will be made by Incident Command.

Lahar Evacuation

Once the lahar siren sounds, students and staff will exit outside.
All students and staff will move to higher ground, as directed by your teacher, using assigned routes for each school site.
Stay calm and follow all staff instructions.
Reunification decisions with parents/guardians will be made by Incident Command.