Safety and Security
Safety and Security Committee
There is an active Safety and Security Committee including teachers from each building, administration, students, and community members. It is the responsibility of all staff members to help ensure the safety of our school. Please do not leave any unattended door to the building open and direct visitors without a pass to the main office.
Emergency Response Team
The Emergency Response Team announcement is to be used where the safety of the building is not an issue. The Emergency Response Team announcement will be used in minor emergencies where the students are not immediately involved. The Emergency Response Team announcement will follow the following procedure:
1. The Emergency Response Team announcement will start with a voice broadcasting over the school intercom the words: Would the Emergency Response Team please meet in the …… .
2. The Emergency Response Team will need to assemble as quickly as possible at the location given during the announcement. Emergency Response Team members will need coverage for their classrooms so they can attend the meeting.
3. In elementary schools the students in specials (Art, Music, Gym, Technology) will be sent back to their classrooms so the team members may attend the Emergency Response meeting. The classroom teacher will need to cover the class.
4. Students are to remain in their classrooms and continue their lessons as normal.
5. The Emergency Response Team will assemble to discuss the crisis at hand and will alert the staff and student body when necessary.
Lock Down Procedure
A Lock Down is to be used in an emergency where the safety of the school building is of concern. A lock down can arise at any time due to any number of events. A lock down will follow the procedure stated below:
1. A lock down will always start with a voice broadcasting over the school intercom the words: "Lock down, lock down, lock down." The words “lock down” will always be repeated three times.
2. Students inside a classroom should immediately get onto the floor and get as close as possible to a wall, staying away from windows. The teacher should lock the door and pull any blinds in the room (if possible) and then get down onto the floor.
3. Students in hallways should immediately find the nearest room, quickly enter it, get onto the floor, get as close as possible to a wall, and stay away from windows.
4. Students in public areas (Library, Cafeteria, Gym, etc.) should immediately get onto the floor and get as close as possible to a wall, staying away from windows. The teacher should lock the door and pull any blinds in the room (if possible) and then get down on the floor.
5. Once a lock down procedure has been implemented NO ONE MAY LEAVE THE ROOM FOR ANY REASON!!! Teachers should not use the phone system unless there is an emergency.
6. A lock down will end with a voice broadcasting over the school intercom the words: The lock down is over, the lock down is over, the lock down is over.
If a fire alarm sounds during a Lock Down Crisis the students and staff should not leave the building until they hear: clear lockdown, clear lock down, clear lock down.
Hopkinton School District Emergency Operation Plans