Category E: Support Services
The Districts recognize that the school environment must be safe and secure for students, staff and community members. To this end, the Districts have developed crisis response protocols to deal with a range of crises and emergencies. The following situations are addressed by these protocols:
- Hazardous materials
- Medical emergencies
- Bomb threats
- Weather crisis
- Missing/abducted student
- Student crisis/abuse protocol
- Lockdown procedures
- Shelter in place procedures
- Evacuation procedures
The protocols provide appropriate and effective emergency response and crisis management. These protocols include working with staff at all levels; community partners including Amherst Police, Amherst Fire, and the Town of Amherst; and other authorities as appropriate. Protocols address action steps, communication and follow-up procedures. In order to maintain maximum effectiveness, some of the information regarding protocols may be limited to particular District staff or provided on an “as needed” basis.
Each school and classroom shall have a Crisis Response flip chart with step-by-step directions for responding to the variety of possible situations. All district staff will be trained regularly on responding to emergency situations.
Communication by the District with parents/guardians will vary depending upon the situation. Whenever possible and appropriate, the Superintendent will ensure that parents/guardians are informed of situations in a prompt and informative manner.
Authorizing Document(s)
POLICY EBCE: Emergency Closings And Dismissals Of The Amherst Elementary Schools
Updated:
July 2014