Emergency Operation Plan

Gadsden ESD #32 prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of its students and staff. The District consistently evaluates its emergency preparedness protocols throughout each school year in order to act rapidly and effectively in the case of an emergency or crisis. Part of that process involves active participation and collaboration with San Luis, AZ community partners such as the San Luis Police Dept. and Fire Department.

The following information provides parents and guardians with relevant information about emergency preparedness protocols.

Emergency Operations Plan

Gadsden ESD #32 has a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan that addresses a multitude of school crisis situations. Administrators and staff at each school have been trained and conduct drills for each type of emergency situation – with and without students present.

Each school site conducts regular safety drills and bus evacuations throughout the school year with students and staff members.

Lockdown Protocols

Lockdowns may be issued in situations involving active threats (intruder, disruptive parent or guest, weapon on campus, social media threat, etc.) at school sites or in district facilities that could potentially risk the immediate safety of students and/or staff. During a lockdown, all interior and exterior doors will be locked. For safety purposes, only the school crisis team, and police and/or fire departments will have access to hallways and classrooms during the course of the lockdown.

Parents and visitors will not be allowed on campus during a lockdown.

SOFT LOCK DOWN

All students stay inside the school and classes continue as normal, no visitors are able to come in or out of the building until Soft Lock Down is lifted.

Response to a lockdown

As a parent/guardian to a child at Gadsden ESD #32, you are an essential partner to the safety team. When lockdowns are initiated, parents who have signed up to receive district and school communications will be notified of the event via phone call, and/or text through our CrisisGo App.

We understand that receiving a lockdown notification can be stress-inducing. Please keep the following information in mind:

The school district will release information about the lockdown as soon as it becomes available. At times, we realize that it may seem as if the information is not forthcoming or not being released quickly. During an emergency event such as a lockdown, the district is actively working with the crisis teams to obtain and confirm accurate information. The District is very careful about the information that is released, and therefore, it may take a time to share the facts of the situation. We appreciate the patience of our community as we carry out due diligence in information-gathering and sharing.

During a lockdown, parents and visitors will not be able to access the campus. Emergency responders and school district employees will focus on the needs of students and staff. Unexpected arrivals by parents can potentially exacerbate an already tense situation.

In a crisis situation, the school’s front office may not answer the phone as their main concern is ensuring the safety of students and staff on-site and keeping lines of communication open with the crisis team. The school or district will share information and updates with parents as soon as possible. The school may request that your child reach out to you to give you an update as well. It is often helpful to follow the district and school social media platforms, and sign up to receive district communications, as information will be shared in these ways.

AFTER A LOCKDOWN

Watch for any lingering signs of stress in your child(ren) over the following days and weeks. Signs that your child may be stressed or have anxiety about the situation may include lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping, desire to stay home, etc. Talk to your child(ren) about the event, and contact your school to learn what resources and services are available.

Reunification

An Evacuation (either from one room/building on-site to another or to an alternate location off-site) may be used for incidents such as gas leak, power outage, bomb threat, fire, etc.

In the event of an off-site evacuation, the district will implement its Reunification Plan and families will receive communication from the school district, advising them of the location and area in which they can pick up their child. Proper identification will be required upon parent pick-up to ensure a child’s safety. Please note, the Emergency Operations Plan includes specific guidelines for relocating students with special needs.

Communication During a School Emergency

It is important for communication purposes to ensure that your contact information (phone number, email address, etc.) is up-to-date as parents will be notified using this information during a school crisis. When you need to change your information, contact the front office of your child’s school.

Information regarding the emergency situation will be shared on the district’s website, social media platforms, and on our CrisisGo App. Updates will be given as information becomes available.

Please note that during a school crisis, the school may not answer the phone. The staff’s number one priority during crisis situations is to ensure everyone’s safety on campus. The district’s Communications Department will share information with families once it has been verified.

Depending on the type of crisis situation, students may be asked to text their parents and let them know that they are safe. In some crisis situations, students will not be allowed to use their phones.

Crisis Go- Safety Communication Application

Your child’s safety is our highest priority. The resources below will help you understand how CrisisGo supports school safety communication and what you can expect during a school safety drill or emergency reunification.

The CrisisGo Parent Information Flyer provides important information about how you may receive safety notifications directly on your mobile device, including alerts related to lockdowns, evacuations, severe weather, and other emergencies. You will also find information about the reunification process and steps you can take to help ensure you receive timely notifications.

The Steps to Follow guides you through the reunification process from start to finish. It explains what to expect when you arrive at the reunification site, what identification you will need, how your child will be released to you, and the steps you will follow before leaving the site.

Please take a few minutes to review both flyers before the drill. Familiarizing yourself with these procedures will help you know what to expect and support a safe, organized, and efficient reunification process for you and your child.

Lead Admin & Safety Specialist

Brenda Silva

[email protected]

(928) 722-7119

School Resource Officers

School Resource Officers (SROs) are sworn law enforcement officers who serve as an important part of Gadsden Elementary School District #32’s commitment to maintaining safe and supportive learning environments.

SROs serve three primary roles: law enforcement, education, and mentoring. They build positive relationships with students, serve as role models, provide campus security, support school administrators, teach safety-related topics, and respond to incidents when needed.

Our SROs work closely with district and school staff, students, families, and local law enforcement agencies to promote safety, prevent juvenile crime, and create a positive school environment.