DDHS implements new Standard Response Protocol (SRP)

Posted Feb. 1, 2023

News Editor

David Douglas High School has implemented a new emergency protocol called Standard Response Protocol (SRP) starting Feb. 8.

All of the East County Schools in Oregon have been utilizing this protocol, therefore it was time that David Douglas implemented SRP as well. Many students go to other schools for various reasons such as sports, band/orchestra events, and any school event in general. If a crisis were to occur and all schools have the same protocol, it is easier to manage everyone and students know exactly how to proceed in specific emergencies.

The five emergency situations include Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Hold asks students and staff to remain in the classrooms and clearing the halls. Secure asks students and staff to remain inside and to lock outside doors. Lockdown asks students and staff to lock all doors, turn off lights, and hide out of sight. Evacuate asks students and staff to evacuate to a chosen location. Shelter asks students and staff to use the announced hazard and strategy.

The “I love u guys” foundation SRP is utilized in over 30,000 schools nationwide. The foundation started in 2006 by Ellen and John-Michael Keyes after a school shooting that took their daughter Emily's life. Emily’s last text to her mother was, “"I love u guys. K" and to her father, John-Michael, "I love you guys."

“A few of the reasons we were attracted to SRP, and why we wanted to pilot these standards at David Douglas, is because it’s evidence-based, action-based, flexible, and easy to learn,” said Assistant Principal Jennifer Buscher.

The posters that will be hung in each classroom, with the five drills in case of emergencies, come in different languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, Somalian, and Arabic. Students who do not speak English will be accommodated accordingly, as the actions shown on the posters are very simple and easy to understand, which is convenient and helpful.

After SRP is implemented at the high school, the goal is to integrate it at the middle and elementary schools. If students starting from pre-K to eighth grade are taught the exact protocols that are at the high school, it will be easier for them to accommodate themselves using the information they already know.