Greetings Salida Schools' families,
As we start up another year I wanted to update parents in general about improvements to safety measures. Every year we try to add another layer or improve a protocol with our first responders. The District has added two new layers of security that parents may have to negotiate. The District added more security vestibules to school entrances so that all buildings now have that additional layer. Inside of those entrance spaces you will also now see an iPad on a kiosk stand. The system is referred to as Visitor Aware. We now require that all visitors that will be in the building with students to scan their photo ID. This system assists us to know who is in the building during an emergency response. It also completes a background check, scanning databases for sexual predators and any outstanding warrants. It is a common layer of protection that other districts have implemented, and we believe it will help us as well. It may cause some inconvenience at times, but I know we all are willing to suffer some inconvenience to keep our kids safe.
Our Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is updated and the staff have trained on our standard response protocols. We do have our annual reunification drill in the next few weeks for each campus. This drill ensures that all of our systems are ready. Some quick reminders as we approach those dates:
Please update Infinite Campus (IC) with emergency contacts. In our small town it is common that the first responders, medical professionals and school staff are caught up in the emergency response and cannot pick up their student. Make sure your emergency contacts are up to date with someone local that can get your kids if you are unavailable.
Make sure you bookmark the website and download the app on your phone. Initial notifications for any emergency will be given through the app, with a follow up email that has more details. The app is where you will find out about things like a snow day.
Please remember that we have ways for information to be shared, including: Safe2Tell, 911, 988, and direct reports. Every tip is investigated by administration and our SRO when applicable. Rarely do tips generate anything substantial, but we are on the lookout for the rare concerns. If you see something, say something.
Please remember that the facts say your schools continue to be the safest place for kids in Salida.
Regarding Reunification Drills:
In the event of an emergency please be aware. We will not release students until we are positive they are safe and accounted for. That means reunification is slow.
Prior to an emergency we will keep information limited to protect student stories, and to provide our first responders with the best tactical advantage.
After an emergency there are either private student stories, which we will not share, or there is a potential crime, which we will not share. That means we will share less information than people feel entitled to. We realize that is frustrating and the law does not allow us freedom in this area of communication.
Drills are scheduled as follows:
August 25 Longfellow reunification drill (Kindergarten only)
August 27 Middle School reunification (5th grade only)
August 26 High School reunification (9th grade only)
September 4 Crest reunification (5th grade only)
September 4 HEA reunification (9th grade only)
We are hosting our annual public Q&A opportunity to discuss security protocols with the District and first responders on August 20th from 7-8pm at the high school auditorium. We welcome your attendance and look forward to answering any questions you may have about the safety planning and protocols that are in place to keep our students safe. If you are not able to make that evening's session you can learn more on the safety and security page of the website.
Thank you for your support.
Respectfully,
Dr. D. Blackburn
Superintendent
719.530.5203
salidaschools.com