Safe and Welcoming Schools – Safety Response Drill
In the event of either a natural disaster or human-caused incident, it is the responsibility of the district, and individual schools/sites to provide the emergency organization and resources to minimize student, staff, and school community loss of life, protect school district property, continue essential functions, and return to the business of education in a timely manner.
For more information, please visit the SPS Safety and Security webpage.
Earthquake
At the beginning of an earthquake, students and staff who are in the buildings should drop, cover and hold. The safest places would be under a desk, table, or against an inner wall for protection from falling plaster, light fixtures or other heavy overhead objects. Students and adults should keep away from windows, file cabinets, and book shelves.
Reverse Evacuation
A Reverse Evacuation is defined as the process for moving students/staff indoors quickly. A Reverse Evacuation would be initiated by a potentially dangerous situation in the neighborhood, but not directed at the school. Once students/staff are safely inside, they will Shelter-In-Place.
Shelter-in Place
Shelter-in-Place is the process of keeping students and staff safe from dangers within the community. Schools would Shelter-in-Place in events such as a hazardous material incident, radiation incident, snowstorm, vague threats, or violence in the community that is not directed at the school. Academics are ongoing.
Lockdown
A Lockdown is the process of protecting students and staff from external and internal dangers. A Lockdown is used when the potential for violence within the campus exists, usually during a red alert status, and potentially during an orange alert status.
Fire Evacuation
When the alarm sounds, students line up with voices off and calm bodies before following their teacher out of the building. Teachers will lead their classes to the grass field at Ella Bailey Park. Students will remain in silent, orderly lines while teachers take attendance. Students/staff will remain at the park until given the all-clear is given to return to the school.
Student and School Safety
Safety and wellness is a top priority for Seattle Public Schools. Students are more likely to be successful when they feel safe and welcome at school.
SPS Safety and Wellness Announcements and Resources
Safe Schools Hotline
The Safety and Security Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
206-252-0510
Safe and Welcoming Schools Update from Superintendent Jones
The district has a long-established focus on safety and security for all students and staff. SPS is strengthening partnerships, using community data, and continuing facility updates in our buildings to do the following:
- Conducting a safety review of SPS campuses
- Inviting safety leaders to the table to create community action teams
- Establishing a wellness advisory council comprised of mental health and wellness leaders from our community
Read the Spring 2023 Safe and Welcoming Schools Update from Superintendent Jones
Recent SPS Safety and Wellness Announcements
What Families Can Do
Understandably, we are all experiencing a heightened sense of concern for student and staff safety due to current issues and events. We encourage parents and guardians to keep an open line of communication with your children.
Opioid and Fentanyl Awareness and Resources
What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid drug that is approximately 100 times more powerful than other opioids.
Are Young People Misusing Opioids? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, teens and young adults are the biggest misusers of prescription pain medication.
Resources:
- Learn more about opioids and overdose prevention on the SPS Prevention and Intervention webpage.
- Washington State Department of Health Opioid and Prescription Drug Overdose Data
Safe Storage of Substances
If you share a home with young people, you can prevent accidental and intentional use by reducing access to substances.
Communications and Who to Contact
Who to contact to help resolve concerns
Be sure your school has your current telephone number and emergency contact information. Contact your school to update your contact information. Learn more about staying connected with Seattle Public Schools.
Personal Safety Tips for Children and Families
You can help your student(s) stay safe by talking to them about personal safety. Some tips to discuss include:
- Report incidents as soon as they happen.
- Be aware of surroundings.
- Not talking to strangers or going anywhere with them.
- Walking to school or activities in pairs or groups.
Reporting bullying or discrimination
Contact the Office of Student Civil Rights for concerns about
- Bullying
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Intimidation
- Sexual Assault
Reports can be made verbally or in writing.
District Policies and Procedures
The district is committed to our long-established focus on safety and security for all students and staff. You may want to learn more about our polices and procedures around student and school safety. Below are district resources, board policies and procedures around student and school safety.
Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
No Tolerance Policy Against Firearms and Dangerous Weapons
Seattle Public Schools has a no tolerance policy against firearms and dangerous weapons and Superintendent Procedure regarding weapons on its campuses and at District-sponsored activities.
Gun Safe Storage and Preventing Firearm Violence
Learn how you can play a role in preventing firearm-related injuries and deaths in our communities.