Seaside School District

Be Prepared for a School Emergency:

Make Sure Your Contact Information is Up to Date!

Ensure that your child's emergency contact information is accurate and current in Synergy. Please contact your child's school directly if you need to update any contact information. Current and accurate information will help ensure parents/guardians receive important notifications in a timely manner.

Receive Information:

Be sure you have given permission for the school to contact you on ParentSquare. This is our District's primary method of communication. (If you opt out of ParentSquare contacts, you will not receive information from the district in an emergency.) You may receive a text first from ParentSquare directing you to check your email for a longer message. Always check your email when you receive ParentSquare messages to be able to see the entire message.

In addition to ParentSquare messages, check the Seaside School District website home page for current information.

Additional Information

School Closures and Delays FAQs_.pdf

Emergency Do's and Don'ts for Parents:

In the event of an emergency situation, we ask our parents/guardians & community to please follow the protocols below. These are in place for the safety of our staff and students, as well as for our Emergency Responders:

> DO NOT phone your child or child’s school. Staff and students are discouraged from using cell phone communications for safety reasons. If and when it is safe to do so, staff may have your child text you an update. Communication and information will be sent out through ParentSquare, and posted on the District's website and the city of Seaside’s Nixle information service.Sign up for Nixle HERE.

> DO NOT rush to your child's school. Your presence could interfere with emergency responders who are actively engaged in handling the emergency situation. Parents/Guardians should stay where they are and remain available to receive updates and instructions as needed.

> DO monitor official communication from the District.

> DO monitor official communication from the Cities of Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Gearhart.

> DO listen for information regarding reunification and next steps.

> DO tune in to local radio stations for official school news alerts.

> DO make sure you have your personal picture ID with you so that when the reunification process begins, you will be able to pick up your child.

SAFETY TERMS and Definitions:

The District uses the "I Love U Guys Foundation" Standard Response Protocol for responding to emergencies. The following terminology is from that program:

> HOLD
In the event of a minor situation that may require staff and students to clear the hallways, the HOLD notification will be used. Students will remain in their classrooms, continuing learning as usual. This protocol is used when a situation can be or will be resolved quickly. Notification may or may not be sent out through ParentSquare when this protocol is used.

> SECURE
A SECURE takes place if a threat is outside of the school building. All staff and students return inside and all exterior school doors are locked. Teachers may continue instruction inside as usual. No entry into or exit from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made, or a 'modified' SECURE is put into place. Students will NOT be released during a SECURE.

> LOCKDOWN
A LOCKDOWN takes place if a threat is identified inside the school building. School doors are shut and locked, lights are turned off and students are confined to classrooms or offices that are able to be secured by a locking door. No entry or exit from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made. Students will NOT be released during a lockdown.

> EVACUATION
In the event of certain building emergencies, students will be relocated to an EVACUATION assembly area. Parents/Guardians or emergency contacts will be notified where the reunification site will be located through the District's communication methods. Students will be released ONLY to parents/guardians or emergency contacts with picture ID. It is very important that families have current and accurate contact information in Synergy. Please contact your child's school if you need to update or revise contact information.

> SHELTER
Students take refuge in designated areas to protect them from hazardous materials or severe weather. No entry into or exit from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made. Students will NOT be released during a SHELTER.

In an emergency take action Poster

Planning and Safety Drills:

Seaside School District staff and students practice various safety drills throughout the year as part of our commitment to keeping students and staff safe and prepared in the event of an emergency. These drills include practicing for events such as an earthquake, bus evacuation, fire, and active threats. This practice gives students an idea of what to expect as well as allowing school staff to practice our response to specific conditions and look for ways to learn and improve.

Seaside School District collaborates with our local law enforcement and fire/rescue team. During some of the drills, law enforcement and fire/rescue may be seen in or around the school building. By participating in these drills, law enforcement and fire/rescue are familiar with the protocols and procedures used in emergency situations. They can then better navigate the school building layout, and create an essential working relationship with the District.

Oregon laws require that all schools conduct a Fire Drill once per month and three Earthquake/Tsunami Drills per school year. In addition to the required drills, our schools also conduct two Lockdown drills per year.

Parents and other school visitors are asked to participate in these safety exercises if they are inside the school at the time of the drill.

Reporting Suspicious Activities:

We encourage students and parents to report any suspicious or dangerous activity that they have heard, read or seen. Reports can be made to any school staff, law enforcement, or anonymously through SafeOregon .

If there is an immediate threat, please dial 9-1-1

Students are encouraged to:

Report threats and/or suspicious activity made by students or community members. This can include threats made in person, via text, phone, or online.
Communicate concerns to school administrators or a trusted adult and/or educator.
Reach out for help and resources from a school counselor or school therapist to address their emptional needs.

"If You See Something, Say Something"

Reunification:

Reunification is a controlled process the Seaside School District will use if the event requires parents or guardians to pick up their child at a different location other than the school building. Information and updates, such as the pick up location, will be given by school officials through the Blackboard text/email communication system. Information will also be posted on the District's website and social media platforms the District uses.

It is very important that families keep contact and emergency contact information updated and accurate in the District's student database system, Synergy. To update contact or emergency contact information, please work with your child's school directly.

Students will ONLY be released to Parents/Guardians with photo ID or Emergency Contacts with photo ID who are listed in Synergy as a contact or emergency contact.

The District uses the "I Love U Guys Foundation" Standard Reunification Method for reuniting students with their families.