Elmira CitySchool District

Family, School, Community:Together We Succeed

When and Why Are Students and Staff Asked to Lockdown, Shelter-in-Place or Evacuate?

A school crisis can take a number of forms including an environmental event, such as a chemical spill or gas leak; a weather emergency, such as a tornado warning; or an intruder in or near the school. The nature of a school crisis dictates whether school officials will put in place a shelter-in-place, hold in place, evacuations, lockouts, lockdowns or any combination of two of these protocols as a means to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.

In the event of an emergency at your child's school, it is important for you to know and understand these terms:

Parent Roles and Responsibilities During a School Emergency and Reunification After a School Emergency

In a school emergency, the first instinct as a parent is to pick up the telephone and start calling the school or rush to the school and get your child/children. The truth is, this only complicates matters from a safety and security standpoint.

Parents too close to an incident often hinder the rescue attempts of police and fire officials on the scene. The best action parents can take in an emergency is to stay close to their phone and e-mail and to monitor local radio and TV reports for regular updates and instructions. ECSD will be sending updates via website, Schoology, Schooltool, Class Dojo and other social media outlets.

Although your first reaction would be to call or rush to your child's school, please follow the tips listed below:

DO tune into local TV/Radio stations for official school news alerts.

DO rely only on official communication from school or public safety officials.

DO listen for official information regarding reunification with your child.

DO NOT call or rush to your child's school. Your presence could interfere with emergency responders.

DO NOT phone your child or school. Staff and students are discouraged from using cell phone communication for safety reasons.

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Reunification Plans

Parents/guardians will be directed by school or public safety officials via TV/Radio, district website, Schoology, SchoolTool, Class Dojo or district social media pages, t their child's specific location. Students will be released ONLY to parents/guardians who are documented as emergency contacts and who present a picture ID such as a driver's license, military ID or passport. The reunification process can be time-consuming so parents are urged to be patient.

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Be Prepared for a School Emergency

Ensure that your child's emergency contact information is accurate and current with the District. The District uses the website, Schoology, SchoolTool, local news tv/radio, and/or district social media pages to notify parents of inclement weather and emergencies. Become familiar with your school's emergency communication procedures. Each school is committed to providing accurate and timely information in the event of an emergency.

Need to Update Your Contact Information?

>>Click here to complete the digital change of information form.