Weekly Update

Team Shaffer,

Earlier this week I sent everyone an email notifying them of a HOLD that we did at Shaffer. This caused some confusion and concern so I want to clarify a few things regarding our Standard Response Protocols (SRP).

• What is the SRP? After some of the first school shootings, it became clear that there was inconsistencies in how districts did different emergency protocols. Different places used different verbiage and this caused a lot of confusion amongst families and first responders. The SRP was created as a result of the Platte Canyon High School shooting and has gained a lot of traction internationally. Jeffco Schools, along with most of the other Colorado school districts use the SRP.
• What is the difference between a HOLD and a LOCKDOWN? A HOLD is a protocol that is used in schools when students and most staff need to be in rooms so that the hallways can be clear. It is typically used for medical emergencies or as a "pause" before an evacuation. For example, we called one at my school last year because a teacher passed out while teaching. The HOLD kept the hallways clear so we could get them out of the building safely and quickly. Sometimes a HOLD is used when a student is escalated behaviorally, but that is to keep that student, staff, and all other students safe, not because the student is a threat. We don't typically do drills for a HOLD but can be part of an evacuation drill. A LOCKDOWN is used when there is a threat inside the building. Students and staff need to get behind locked doors and out of sight as quickly as possible in this scenario. A LOCKDOWN drill is conducted once a year in conjunction with Jeffco Schools Security. Ours will be on October 30 this year.
• What will be communication look like regarding the SRP? Whenever we engage in any of the SRPs unscheduled, you will receive communication from us. Evacuations (fire drills) must be completed monthly, lockdowns are once a year, and a shelter is also once a year. Those will also be communicated to you. In the event of an unscheduled protocol, we will share all of the information that we can. However, if there are instances where a student or students are involved it will seem pretty vague because student confidentiality is important.

If you have any other questions about the SRP, please don't hesitate to ask. Also, the I Love You Guys website is an amazing resource for all SRP related items.

On a side note, thank you all for attending the massive donut party this morning. It is so amazing to have this place packed with families. It is reason number 2,234 why Shaffer Elementary is, simply put, the best elementary school.

It's a great day to be a Pioneer!

Ben Kellerman

Principal - Shaffer Elementary

ben.kellerman@jeffco.k12.co.us

303-982-0596

IG - @shafferelementary

• This is just a friendly reminder that we can not have dogs on campus before or after school during drop off and pickup. We at Shaffer LOVE dogs, but district policy states that we can not have them on campus for safety purposes.
• If your child rides the bus home, please encourage them to go straight from their classrooms to the bus. We have had several students miss the bus at the end of the day because they stopped to play on the way to the bus from their classrooms. We love your kids...but we also want them to catch the bus.