Emergency Protocol
Creating a safer school climate for our students is a priority. A critical ingredient in creating a safer school environment is classroom response to an incident at school. Weather events, fire, accidents, intruders and other threats to student safety are scenarios that are planned and trained for by students, teachers, staff and administration, in partnership with our first responders.
The Beaverton School District, in collaboration with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), Beaverton Police (BPD) and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVFR), has implemented the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).
Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
The SRP is not based on one individual possible scenario but on the response to any given scenario. One large benefit of the SRP is the standard language used by all responders; this includes students, parents, staff and first responders. The protocol also allows for a predictable series of actions as an event unfolds.
The SRP is based upon four actions: Lockout, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter. Each has specific staff and student directives that are unique to the action.
Lockout vs. Lockdown
A lockout means there is a possible threat outside the school. Most often, this is due to police activity in the area or the neighborhood. Police might be searching for a suspect in a crime, or someone might have spotted a person wanted for questioning. During a lockout, it is business as usual inside the building. If students are at recess, or outside for some reason, they are brought inside, the doors are locked and classes continue. The District does not typically send out parent notifications for lockouts, since they are most often due to police activity in the neighborhood and are usually resolved quickly.
A lockdown means there is a possible threat inside the school. This is not business as usual. Hallways are cleared, classroom and office doors are locked, lights are turned out. Students and staff are instructed to stay quiet and out of sight.
All of our schools can be put in lockout or lockdown at the touch of a button. A message with instructions will then play over the school's intercom system.
During a lockout or lockdown, do not call or go to the school. Doing so could put you or others in danger. Do not call or text the student’s cell phone. This may put them in danger. The District will communicate with you once we have more information to share. Reliable information and updates can be viewed on the school and District webpages. The Public Safety Office puts up color-coded banners with links to more information, when it is available. If further action is needed on the part of parents and guardians, the District will communicate that information with instructions through School Messenger and the District webpage.
Student/Parent Reunification
Events may occur at school that require parents to pick up their students in a controlled release. The process of controlled release is called a reunification and may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, a hazmat issue, or if a crisis occurs at the school.
The Beaverton School District in collaboration with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), Beaverton Police (BPD), Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVF&R), and other community partners have implemented the Standard Reunification Method, based on protocols established by the I Love U Guys Foundation.
Student and Parent Reunification is a protocol that makes this process more predictable and less chaotic for all involved. Because a controlled release is not a typical end of school day event, a reunification may occur at a different location than the school a student attends. If this location is another school, then those students may be subject to a controlled release as well.
Notification of a Student and Parent Reunification
Parents may be notified in a number of ways. The school or district may use its broadcast phone or text message system. In some cases, students may be asked to send a text message to their parents. A reunification text message from a student may look something like this: “The school has closed, please pick me up at 3:25 at the main entrance. Bring your ID”.
Please watch the message below. The video will provide information on a Reunification. The video was produced in collaboration with Adams 12 Five Star School District.