At Pendleton School District, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are among our highest priorities. Creating safe schools requires thoughtful planning, strong partnerships with first responders, consistent safety practices, and collaboration with families and our community.

We want families to understand the steps we take to prepare for emergencies and know how to help if an incident occurs.

Building Safety and Security

Safe schools begin with thoughtful design and daily practices.

Our district has worked with local law enforcement and safety professionals to incorporate safety and security considerations into our school buildings. Across our campuses, we work to limit access points by keeping exterior doors secured and directing visitors to designated entrances.

Older buildings can present unique challenges, making it especially important that we all follow established safety procedures. Families can help by reinforcing with students that locked doors serve an important safety purpose. Please never prop open an exterior door or allow someone to enter through a secured door without following the school’s visitor procedures.

Security cameras provide additional visibility.

Our school buildings have security cameras that can help provide information about activity on our campuses when needed. Although cameras are not continuously monitored by staff throughout the school day, they can be an important resource when reviewing an incident or supporting an emergency response.

Emergency Preparedness and the Standard Response Protocol

Pendleton School District works in partnership with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies to prepare for a variety of situations. We conduct required safety drills, review emergency procedures, and work to ensure our schools and first responders use consistent language when communicating during an incident.

Our district uses the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation. This nationally recognized framework provides common language for students, staff, families, and first responders. It identifies five actions that may be used depending on the situation.

Understanding the Five SRP Actions

• HOLD — In Your Room or Area. Clear the Halls. Used when hallways need to remain clear. Students and staff remain in their designated rooms or areas until the hold is lifted.
• SECURE — Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors. Used when a potential concern exists outside the school. People move inside, and exterior doors are secured while normal activities may continue indoors as directed.
• LOCKDOWN — Locks, Lights, Out of Sight. Used when a threat may be inside the building. Classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off, and occupants move out of sight and remain quiet while following staff directions.
• EVACUATE — To the Announced Location. Used when people need to move from one location to another, either within the building or to an outside location. Staff will communicate the designated destination and directions.
• SHELTER — State the Hazard and the Safety Strategy. Used when a specific hazard requires protective action, such as severe weather or another environmental concern. Students and staff follow the safety instructions appropriate to the hazard.

The action used will depend on the circumstances. Staff are trained to follow established procedures and instructions from emergency responders as appropriate.

Families can learn more about these actions through the I Love U Guys Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol.

How Families Can Help During an Emergency

We understand that any report of a school emergency can be frightening for families. Wanting to reach your child immediately is a natural response. However, during an active emergency, school staff and first responders must focus on protecting students and staff, responding to the situation, and sharing accurate information as it becomes available.

Your cooperation helps us keep our attention on those priorities.

DO:

1. Remain as calm as possible. Take a moment to gather information from official sources before sharing reports or rumors.
2. Monitor official communication channels. Check the Pendleton School District website, your child’s school website, district social media, and messages sent through district communication systems. Local media may also provide updates.
3. Keep your contact information current. Ensure your school has your current phone number and email address so you can receive important notifications.
4. Follow official instructions. If the district establishes a reunification location or provides instructions for picking up students, follow those directions carefully. Bring identification and any other requested information.
5. Give emergency responders room to work. Your cooperation helps responders access the campus and carry out their responsibilities.

We will share verified information as it becomes available and provide additional updates when there is meaningful new information to communicate. The timing and frequency of updates will depend on the circumstances and the information that can safely be shared.

PLEASE DO NOT:

1. Come to the school or emergency scene unless directed to do so. During an active incident, access may be restricted. Arriving unexpectedly can create traffic congestion, interfere with emergency vehicles, and complicate response efforts.
2. Call the school or emergency dispatch for routine updates during an active incident. Phone lines and staff attention may be needed for emergency coordination. Please use official district communication channels for information whenever possible. Call 911 if you have an immediate emergency or critical information that requires an emergency response.
3. Share unverified information. Inaccurate reports can increase anxiety and interfere with emergency response. Please rely on confirmed information from the district and public safety agencies.
4. Attempt to enter a secured building or bypass established procedures. Please wait for official instructions and cooperate with school staff and law enforcement.

Reunification: Bringing Families and Students Together

If an emergency requires students to be moved from their school or released through a controlled reunification process, the district will communicate instructions about where to go and what families need to do. Reunification procedures are designed to help us safely account for students and connect them with authorized adults.

Please wait for official directions before traveling to a designated location. Following the established process helps us reunite families as safely and efficiently as possible.

Our Shared Commitment to Safety

As superintendent, I recognize that there is nothing more important to families than knowing their children are safe. We take that responsibility seriously. Our staff continually work to strengthen our safety practices, prepare for emergencies, and collaborate with our first responders.

We also know that preparedness is a shared responsibility. By understanding our safety procedures, following directions, and relying on verified information during an emergency, families help us protect the students and staff entrusted to our care.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe and supportive places where every student can learn and thrive.

Michelle Jensen, PhD
Superintendent