School Safety & Communication: What to Expect This Year

Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community.

Our Approach: The Standard Response Protocol (SRP)

This year, HVS has fully adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the "I Love U Guys" Foundation. This protocol uses clear, common language to ensure that students, staff, and first responders are all "speaking the same language" during an incident.

Our staff is thoroughly trained in these five specific actions, and students will participate in regular drills to build the muscle memory needed for a calm, effective response.

The Five SRP Actions

When an incident occurs, one of the following will be announced followed by a specific directive:

• HOLD: "In Your Room or Area. Clear the Halls." Used when hallways need to be kept clear (e.g., a medical emergency or a maintenance issue). Students stay in their classroom and continue "business as usual" until an "All Clear" is announced.

• SECURE: "Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors." Used when there is a threat or hazard outside the school building (e.g., police activity in the neighborhood or a dangerous animal nearby). All students and staff move indoors, and exterior doors are locked. Instruction continues as normal inside.

• LOCKDOWN: "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight." Used when there is a threat or hazard inside the school building. Doors are locked, lights are turned off, and students move out of sight and remain silent.

• EVACUATE: "To a Location." Used to move students and staff from one location to another (e.g., a fire or gas leak). Students may be asked to leave their belongings behind to move quickly and safely.

• SHELTER: "State Hazard and Safety Strategy." Used for environmental hazards like severe weather or hazardous materials. Directives will be specific to the hazard (e.g., "Shelter for Tornado; Drop, Cover, and Hold").

When Will We Communicate?

We are committed to keeping families informed whenever student safety or the learning environment is impacted. We will notify families once all students and staff are safe and we have verified information to share.

• Immediate Threats: You will be notified as soon as possible via text and email if safety is at risk.

• Minor Incidents: A brief "Hold" for a hallway spill or minor medical issue may not prompt a communication unless it significantly disrupts the day.

Important Reminders for Parents

• Rely on Official Sources: During an event, you may hear rumors or see social media posts. Please wait for official updates from the district or law enforcement to ensure you have accurate facts.

• Avoid Campus: In a "Secure" or "Lockdown" situation, we cannot allow anyone to enter or leave the building. Coming to the school may interfere with emergency responder access.

• Keep Info Current: Ensure your contact information is updated in Skyward and enable text alerts in the HVS mobile app.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools a safe place to learn.

What You Can Expect from Us

• Timeliness: We aim to share information promptly, balancing accuracy with urgency.

• Transparency: We'll provide as much detail as possible, within legal and safety boundaries.

• Support: Resources and assistance will be offered when appropriate.

How We’ll Communicate

Depending on the situation, we may use:

• Email – For detailed updates.

• Text Alerts – For urgent messages.

• Robo Calls – For key updates at the school or district level.

• Website & Social Media – For ongoing information and resources.

Stay Connected

• Ensure your Skyward contact information is current.

• Download the HVS mobile app and enable text alerts.

• Follow Huron Valley Schools on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe.