On the afternoon of Friday, May 31st , we will be holding our annual Emergency Evacuation drill at approximately 2:15 p.m. At this time, we will be practicing the Student Release procedures that need to be followed in the event of an emergency. But we need your assistance. We are asking parents who are are able to pick up their children from school a bit early Friday afternoon to do so, and to follow the Emergency Release instructions when they do arrive.

Please note:

• Students will only be released to a parent/guardian or designated “emergency release” adult authorized to pick up the child (as indicated on Parent Connect)
• Students will not be permitted to leave early with anyone other than their parent/legal guardian or an adult designated as “emergency release” (on Parent Connect)
• All adults, including parents and legal guardians, must show photo ID before the child will be released . For the purposes of practicing our drill, we will not be making exceptions … even if we know who you are!
• Once your child/designated student has been released to you, you are asked to please leave the school grounds (and start your weekend early!)

Please also note:

• This is not an “early dismissal day” and participation is appreciated, but not required.
• Students who are being picked up for the Emergency Release will be permitted to leave early that day. All other students will be dismissed at the regular 3:00 p.m. dismissal time.

In order to ensure that we have accurate information, please ensure that you log onto Parent Connect prior to May 31st to update your emergency release and demographic information. To find detailed instructions on how to change your Emergency Release Contacts look on Parent Connect under the Help Tab. Ensuring your Emergency Release Information is up to date is crucial in order for us to successfully release students should we ever have an actual emergency event.

*** It is important that all parents understand that in a true emergency (just as with this drill) students, whether in kindergarten or grade 7, will only be released to their parent/legal guardian or designated “emergency release” adult. Students cannot be released to an older sibling who is still under the age of 19. It is very important for parents to have a plan for who will be able to pick-up their child in an emergency situation and that the information needs to be reviewed and updated annually. If parents do not work close to the school, then they should designate another trusted adult who will, most likely, be in the area should an earthquake or other emergency situation occur during school hours. In addition to informing the school via Parent Connect, you should also let your child know which other adults have been designated as “Emergency Release” for your family.

Thank you in advance for your assistance with this drill.