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School Safety

Standard Response Protocol (SRP)

A uniform, planned, and practiced response to any incident is the foundation of a safe school. The SRP is action-based, flexible, and easy to learn. It rationally organizes tactics for response to weather events, fires, accidents, intruders, and other threats to personal safety.

The SRP’s development is ever-evolving, created through extensive collaboration between experts, including first responders, public safety personnel, school districts, and local communities. Its tactics are data-driven, researched, and based on experience and contemporary practices.

  • Hold
    Hold is followed by the Directive: "In Your Room or Area" and is the protocol used when hallways need to be kept clear of occupants. Example: A student or staff member is having a medical emergency in the hallway.
  • Secure
    Secure is followed by the Directive: "Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors" and is the protocol used to safeguard people within the building. Example: Local law enforcement is responding to a situation near one of the schools.
  • Lockdown
    Lockdown is followed by "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight" and is the protocol used to secure individual rooms and keep occupants quiet and in place. Example: An active threat is in one of the schools.
  • Evacuate
    Evacuate may be followed by a location, and is used to move people from one location to a different location in or out of the building. Example: A fire or a utility issue within the building.
  • Shelter
    Shelter and state the Hazard and Safety Strategy for group and self-protection. Example: Severe weather.

  • i love u guys Foundation

    • SRP K12-T 2025 Classroom Instructor Guide Download PDF
      This workbook has been designed to help presenters learn the SRP presentation.
      PowerPoint for Mac or PC Download PowerPoint
      Keynote for Mac Download Keynote
       

    • SRP PK-2 V2 Curriculum Workbook Download PDF 30MB
      This workbook has been produced to help preschool and elementary teachers guide students through the process of learning how to stay safe by engaging in fun activities.
       

    • SRP K12 2023 Operational Guidance V4.1 Download PDF
      2023 guidance for schools, districts, departments and agencies. Please refer to the SRP K12 2025 Operational Guidance V4.2 for updated guidance.

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    Circumstances may occur at the school that require parents to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release. This process is called a Reunification and may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazmat or if a crisis occurs at the school. The Standard Reunification Method is a protocol that makes this process more predictable and less chaotic for all involved. Because a reunification 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

    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.” 

    PARENT/GUARDIAN EXPECTATIONS

    If a parent or guardian is notified that a reunification is needed, there are some expectations that parents or guardians should be aware of. First, bring identification. That will streamline things during reunification. Second, be patient. Reunification is a process that protects both the safety of the student and provides for an accountable change of custody from the school to a recognized custodial parent or guardian.

    WHAT IF A PARENT CAN’T PICK UP THEIR STUDENT?

    When a parent can’t immediately go to the reunification site, students will only be released to individuals previously identified as a student’s emergency contact. Otherwise, the school will hold students until parents can pick up their student.

    WHAT IF THE STUDENT DROVE TO SCHOOL?

    There may be instances where a student may not be allowed to remove a vehicle from the parking lot. In this case, parents are advised to recover the student. In some circumstances, high school students may be released on their own.

    HOW IT WORKS

    For students, the school asks that students be orderly and quiet while waiting. Students may be asked to text a message to their parents or guardians. Students are also asked not to send other text messages either in or out of the school or reunification area. Keeping the cellular network usage at a minimum may be important during a reunification.

    REUNIFICATION CARDS

    For parents, there are a couple of steps. If a parent is driving to the school, greater awareness of traffic and emergency vehicles is advised. Parents should park where indicated and not abandon vehicles. Parents are asked to go to the Reunification “Check In” area and form lines based on the first letter of their student’s last name. While in line, parents are asked to fill out a reunification card. This card is perforated and will be separated during the process. Some of the same information is repeated on both the top and bottom of the card. Parents are asked to complete all parts of the card.

    In the case of multiple students being reunified, a separate card for each student needs to be completed.

    BRING ID TO CHECK-IN

    During check-in, identification and custody rights are confirmed. The card is separated, and the bottom half is given back to the parent. From the “Check In” area, parents are directed to the “Reunification” area. There, a runner will take the bottom half of the card and take it to the Student Assembly Area to recover the student or students. Parents should be aware that in some cases, they may be invited into the building for further information.

    INTERVIEWS AND COUNSELING

    In some cases, parents may be advised that a law enforcement investigation is underway and may be advised that interviews are necessary. In extreme cases, parents may be pulled aside for emergency or medical information.

     

A Parent's Guide to Reunification

For many families, the reunification process can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. This short, informative video helps take away the uncertainty. It gives parents and guardians a clear picture of what to expect during the reunification process so they can feel more prepared, confident, and calm should a reunification occur.

A Parent's Guide to Reunification (Spanish)

Para muchas familias, el proceso de reunificación puede resultar desconocido y abrumador. Este vídeo breve e informativo ayuda a eliminar la incertidumbre. Les brinda a los padres y tutores una idea clara de qué esperar durante el proceso de reunificación para que puedan sentirse más preparados, confiados y tranquilos en caso de que se produzca una reunificación.