School Safety

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Your child's safety is our top priority.  Our district has prepared emergency procedures for all hazards that might endanger students while in school.

Our safety planning now includes the terrorism alerts issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the State of Michigan.  School districts will be in direct contact with emergency management officials in Newaygo County to coordinate planning if an alert is issued.

While our district is prepared to take appropriate action in the event of any potential hazard, we have developed specific safety procedures in response to the highest level of terrorism alert, which is Severe threat-Red Level.  Severe Threat-Red Level means a terrorist attack has occurred in some location, or officials believe a terrorist attack is likely.  A National Severe Threat-Red Level may not signal the same level of alert in our area, if emergency management officials do not believe our area is targeted for terrorist attack.

In the event emergency management officials notify our school district of a Severe Threat-Red Level for our area, we will:

  • REMAIN OPEN during normal school hours until regular dismissal, and provide regular transportation, unless otherwise directed by emergency management officials.  Our school buildings may be the safest place for your child.  All after-school activities and events will be canceled.  If schools must be closed, we will follow established procedures for school closings.

  • CLOSE SCHOOLS before and after school hours.  All activities and events scheduled for any district facility will be canceled until further notice.  Once schools have been closed as a result of a Severe Threat-Red Level, normal school operations will remain closed until authorized to reopen.

How can you help?

  1. Report any recent changes in your child's emergency contact information.

  2. Please, do not call the schools.  School phone lines must remain open for communication with emergency management officials.

  3. Tune in to local radio and television.  We will use local media to update information as it becomes available.

Thank you for your cooperation.  Working together, we can maintain a safe environment for your children.