At Foster Elementary, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always a top priority. One way we prepare for emergencies is by practicing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a nationally recognized approach that provides clear, consistent actions for responding to different types of emergencies.
The SRP uses five specific actions:
Hold: Students and staff remain in their classrooms while hallways are kept clear.
Secure: Everyone moves inside the building, and exterior doors are secured when a potential threat exists outside.
Lockdown: Classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off, and students and staff remain out of sight and quiet when a threat may be inside the building.
Evacuate: Students and staff move to a designated safe location.
Shelter: Students and staff take appropriate protective actions in response to hazards such as earthquakes or severe weather.
Upcoming Safety Drill — 12:45 pm on Thursday, November 19
On Thursday, November 19, Foster Elementary will conduct a Secure/Lockdown drill. This practice provides students and staff with an opportunity to review and rehearse our safety procedures in a calm, age-appropriate manner. Please note that no students, staff, or visitors may come into the building or leave the building during the drill. The drill will last approximately 15 minutes, so please plan accordingly.
We recognize that emergency drills can sometimes cause anxiety for children. Our staff will explain the procedures in developmentally appropriate ways, emphasizing that practicing safety routines helps us know what to do if an emergency ever occurs. Just as we practice fire and earthquake drills, practicing our Secure and Lockdown procedures helps everyone feel more prepared.
How Families Can Help: We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of listening carefully to their teachers and following directions during safety drills. Reassure them that these practices are simply one of the many ways we work together to keep our school safe.
Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a safe, welcoming learning environment for all our Foster Foxes!
