Situations that require students and staff to remain in their classrooms or stay out of certain areas of the campus. During a Hold, keep the hallways clear and students continue their work as usual.

Examples of Hold Conditions

• An altercation in a hallway;
• A medical issue that needs attention;
• Unfinished maintenance operation in a common area during class changes.

Situation when there is a threat or hazard outside of the school building. All employees and staff remain inside the building, normal operations continue.

Examples of Secure Conditions

• An unknown or unauthorized person on the grounds
• Dangerous animal on or near the grounds
• Criminal activity in the area

Examples of Lockdown Conditions

• Intruder
• An angry or violent adult or student
• Report of a weapon
• Active assailant

Evacuate is called when there is a need to move people from one location to another for safety reasons. An offsite evacuation may be necessary when it’s no longer safe to stay in the building such as a gas leak or bomb threat.

Examples of Evacuate Conditions

• Fire
• Bomb Threat
• Gas Leak

Shelter is called when specific protective actions are needed based on a threat or hazard.

Hazards May Include

• Tornado
• Severe weather
• Flooding
• Hazmat spill

Safety Strategies May Include

• Evacuate to Shelter area
• Seal the room
• Drop, cover and hold

In the event of a serious incident or threat, our first priority is to ensure our students and staff are safe; followed by informing/communicating with parents or media. However, we will share information we have available as we are able via email, parent calls or text messages, district social media and the website.

The Standard Reunification Method (SRM) is a process used in certain situations, for example, when severe weather, gas leaks, hazardous material (hazmat) spill, power outage, or an active threat causes the need for students to be picked up in a different location, or different way than on a typical day. The SRM was developed by the "I Love You Guys", to fill the need for a safe, orderly, and accountable way for parents and guardians to be reunified with their children in a school emergency or school closing. Accountable reunification of children with their families is a top priority, both for parents and for schools.

Depending on the emergency or crisis, the reunification site may be near the school campus, or it may be at a location further from the school to ensure the safety of the students. For example, in an active threat, such as an active shooter or bomb threat, the reunification site may be down the road from the school, such as a fire station, community center, or church. In the case of flooding or hazardous materials, the reunification site may be in a neighboring community.

How will I be notified, and how will I know where my child is?

You will be notified of the need for reunification and the location of the reunification site through several methods of communication, including text message, email, or phone call. Please avoid attempting to contact the school, as the communication systems will likely be overwhelmed, and it will be difficult for you to get through. Likewise, do not go to the school unless you are specifically directed to do so. Going to the school can slow down first responders or other personnel and complicate an already complex situation. This may also lead to you feeling increased stress. Schools will provide updates and directions as they are available. Stay close to your phone and email and monitor local television and radio reports for updates and instructions.

If you are notified of the need for reunification, you will be told the location to go to, where to park, the designated area to wait, and the required forms to fill out which aid in reunification. The most important thing to remember is to bring your photo identification card to the reunification site when you go to pick up your child.

What should I expect when I arrive?

When arriving during a parent-student reunification process, you'll initially go through a check-in procedure to confirm your identity and complete a parent reunification card. Staff will be there to greet you and help guide you through the process. After check-in, you'll be directed to a reunification area where a runner will retrieve your student from the designated assembly area. Once reunification occurs, we ask all parents to leave the reunification site with their child to avoid crowding. It's important to remain patient, as the process may take time to ensure the safe and orderly reunification of all students. 

Should I call or text my child to see if they are alright?

During an active threat, your child’s phone needs to be silenced. Calling or texting your child during an active threat can put them and others in danger. If your child has not silenced their phone and it is ringing, or a text notification comes through, it could place them in further danger. The light from cellphones while texting or receiving a call can also give away a student’s location to the attacker. Having patience during an active threat situation is difficult, but the need for safety is crucial.

Most active threats are over within five minutes. Some school districts may ask parents and students to refrain from contacting one another for the first five minutes of a perceived threat or crisis. This delayed contact time gives school district administrators and first responders a few minutes in which to gather accurate information. Rumors spread quickly and escalate in intensity; dispelling rumors and false reports can be a challenge that creates more complications for those responding to the emergency. In addition to the information being incorrect, it leads to increased anxiety and fear for everyone involved. To mitigate this, it is best practice to avoid speaking with the media during such events.

What if my child is injured?

If your child is evacuated from the school, and requires reunification, the school will notify you of the reunification site. While this is such a scary thing to even think about, the best thing to do is to go to that reunification site, unless you are notified otherwise by the school, first responders, or the hospital. If your child is injured, you will be directed to the proper personnel at the reunification site who will inform you of your child's status and location.

Should I call the school to check for information?

The school will want to get information out to you as urgently and quickly as you want it. School administrators will be very busy, even after the active threat has stopped. There are many other things going on, in addition to coordinating students to a safe reunification site. The school will  - notify you through previously set up communication channels to keep you updated on the situation. As stated before, patience is important.

Anonymous Reporting System (Tip line for Safety)

If you think there’s a threat to you, a friend, your school, or the community, don’t wait. SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT with a confidential tip that can bring much-needed help.

The SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT School Resource Center isn’t just for students. Parents and community members can submit a confidential tip when they notice unsafe or risky behaviors that might be putting their child, other children, or the community in danger.

Students, parents, school staff, or any community members can submit a school safety concern or threat via a website,  toll-free number or by downloading the Speak Up Speak Out Mobile App.

Website Speak up Speak Out - Tip Line, Wisconsin Department of Justice

Toll-free number -  1-800-MY-SUSO-1 to speak to a live, trained SUSO Analyst

Text “SUSO” to 738477 to receive a link to our anonymous P3 tip form