Embedded Files
In most cases the building Administrator will serve as Incident Commander in the event of a crisis/tragedy.
In most cases the building Administrator will serve as Incident Commander in the event of a crisis/tragedy.
They are responsible for directing the response and coordinating with support professionals. They can assign a new Incident Commander if necessary
They are responsible for directing the response and coordinating with support professionals. They can assign a new Incident Commander if necessary
First:
First:
If building Admin is the first to learn of a crisis or tragedy:
If building Admin is the first to learn of a crisis or tragedy:
- Write down all the details as they have been given to you
- Contact the Director of School Safety and the Crisis Response Coordinator as soon as possible
Next:
Next:
Determine the Level of Response needed, with consultation from the Director of Student Safety and the Crisis Response Coordinator.
Determine the Level of Response needed, with consultation from the Director of Student Safety and the Crisis Response Coordinator.
Consider completing a Crisis Facts Worksheet to help with further communications.
Then:
Then:
After the appropriate Level of Response has been determined, building Administrator should prepare, complete, or delegate, the following activities:
After the appropriate Level of Response has been determined, building Administrator should prepare, complete, or delegate, the following activities:
Steps to take:
Steps to take:
- Contact the family of the deceased (or victim of tragedy) to:
- Express condolences
- Offer support and resources
- Verify family’s wishes for what information to share with staff, students, and families.
Note: Designate a single individual, preferably who knows the victim or their family, to be the point of contact. Try to gather all relevant information in one phone call rather than calling the family multiple times.
Note: Designate a single individual, preferably who knows the victim or their family, to be the point of contact. Try to gather all relevant information in one phone call rather than calling the family multiple times.
Note: In the event of a suicide death, encourage the family to allow us to share cause of death, as it may help prevent other students from taking that step.
Note: In the event of a suicide death, encourage the family to allow us to share cause of death, as it may help prevent other students from taking that step.
- Informing staff:
- Directly speak to staff who will be highly impacted, then activate a phone tree (or hold a stand-up meeting) to inform the remainder of the staff
- Director of Communication can help with communication content, if preferred
- School day preparation:
- Schedule substitute teachers, or "roving subs," if needed (HR can assist)
- Notify transportation so that the bus does not stop to pick the student up, if appropriate
- Make sure auto-dialer does not contact the family
- Work with district-level admin to:
- Ensure no student workers are answering phones for the day
- Ensure language interpreters are available as needed
- Identify back-up staff to answer phones if volume of calls increases
- Throughout the day:
- Monitor media and social media
- Check-in with primary Crisis Responders
- Respond to requests and concerns from staff and teachers
- Maintain contact with District Office
- At the end of the day, check-in with the Crisis Response Coordinator to determine needs for the next day(s)
Use caution when considering memorial activities.
Follow district policies and review this helpful information: Considerations for Memorials
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