Safety Training Update #2
January 20th, 2024
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Dear FPS Families and Colleagues,
As previously shared this year we are introducing safety training lessons and drills for staff and students. These trainings were created in partnership and collaboration between the Departments of Health and Wellness and Department of Safety and Security, with valuable input from the Department of Special Education.
Warm regards,
The Departments of Health & Wellness and Safety & Security
THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
We are pleased to share with you an update regarding safety trainings for all students in grades k-12. In addition to our introductory safety lessons that occurred in October, your child will have completed three important safety lessons—evacuation, lockdown, and stay in place—by the end of January where they will learn how to make "Stay Safe Choices" incase of an emergency. Students will practice identifying their “Stay Safe Choices” and/or actions in the event that an unsafe person/people or animal is inside or outside. Support staff has been made available if classroom require support teaching the safety lessons or if an individual students need more in depth conversation.
Evacuation: An evacuation might be used if there is an unsafe person, animal, fire, or other danger inside the school.
Lockdown: A lockdown might be used if there is an unsafe person or animal near the classroom. I a lock down doors are locked, sometimes might be turned off, sometimes shades are closed, and students are encouraged to spread out in the room.
Stay in Place: A stay in place may be used if someone is having a medical emergency and needs privacy or if the power goes out.
The lessons were created to be developmentally appropriate and trauma informed using resources from Safe and Sound Schools. Our focus is to ensure that students understand safety procedures, know that adults are there to help them, but not to have in depth conversations about potential emergencies.
Announced Safety Drills: (Spring) Similar to how students practice evacuating the school buildings in case of fire, these announced and planned safety drills are an opportunity to practice and prepare for various situations, which includes staying in place, locking down, and evacuating. All drills will follow the outlines of Safe and Sound Schools to ensure they are being delivered through a developmentally and trauma informed lens. The drills will not include any simulation of any potential emergencies.
Alternative Activity Form
An "Alternate Activity Form" was available for caregivers who prefer that their child not participate in any school-wide safety drills. The deadline to opt out of participating in safety drills was October 31. However, if concerns about the drill remain, we are sharing the alternative activity form again HERE. The form must be completed by January 31st.
Please note that if you opted out of the drill, your child will learn about stay in place, lockdown, and evacuate, but will not participate in any school-wide drills this year.
Family Resources
We encourage you to discuss these important topics with your child at home to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to navigate a potential emergency.
Sesame School: School Safety Drills (English and Spanish)
Healthy Children.Org What Parents Need to Know (English and Spanish)
National Association of School Psychologists (English/ Spanish/ Portuguese)
LESSONS & DRILLS TIMELINE (2023-2024)
✅September 15th: Safety Lessons and Timeline shared with FPS Administrators
✅September 21st: FPS families & staff communication about Safety Lessons, Drills, and Timeline
✅October 5th: Preview Safety Lessons with Student Support Staff to plan ahead for any needed student support
✅October 15th - 22nd: Schools celebrate America’s Safe School Week (Touch-a-Truck, Read Alouds)
✅November - December: Buildings review safety protocols with Department of Safety and Security
✅November 7th: Middle School Teachers review Safety Lessons
✅December 7th: High School and Elementary Teachers review Safety Lessons
December 11th - January 31st: Safety Lessons are taught *Updated Timeline
Spring: Announced Safety Drills *Updated Timeline