SPUSD Emergency Preparedness
South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) schools and district offices maintain detailed Emergency Plans/Handbooks that are updated annually. District and site personnel are trained in the implementation of these plans through drills, workshops, and periodic staff reviews.
The Emergency Plans/Handbooks are multi-tiered systems that can be implemented at many levels, depending on the need and assessment of the campus and for both internal and external threats.
Guidance for Parents
Please remember that emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis and exact actions may differ depending on guidance from local authorities and the nature of the incident.
- Do NOT automatically rush to the school. You may put yourself and others in danger.
- The District and/or School will notify parents/guardians/students via text messages, email, and phone using ParentSquare.
- Depending on the nature of the incident, only text message and email may be used.
- Callers may find difficulty reaching School personnel during an emergency.
- Do NOT call the local Police Department as dispatch and phone lines may also be impacted. DO report criminal activity to the Police Department by dialing 911.
- If parents/guardians are notified to pick up students:
- Plan on picking up your youngest child first.
- Follow the signage at the school and enter ONLY at designated entrances. Respect areas cordoned off by yellow “caution” tape and follow directions for alternate routes. Follow instructions of school personnel.
- Make sure to bring an ID. Site Security will be checking to make sure that all adults entering the campus have a legitimate purpose for being there.
- Remember to write down your destination on the Student Release form.
- Do NOT bring dogs or other pets to the school.
- Plan on the check-out procedure taking time - you may want to bring a cell phone, water, and PATIENCE.
What Parents Can Do to Prepare for an Emergency
- Make sure that your primary email address and phone number are correct within the AERIES parent portal to ensure that you will receive ParentSquare messages.
- Parents/Guardians are required to submit Emergency Contacts in AERIES for each student each year. It is critical that the information is complete and up-to-date. The Emergency Information must include at least two persons who are authorized (and who consent) to pick up your child in case of an emergency, and who are available for emergency pick-up during school hours. In case of an emergency, students will be released ONLY to the persons designated as Emergency Contacts.
- Parents/Guardians are responsible for ensuring that student and parent information is current at all times. If you are unable to update your information in the AERIES Parent Portal, then please contact school site personnel to make changes or updates.
- Parents/Guardians should confirm that the school has the cell phone number or other phone number(s) to be used in case of an emergency.
- Parents/Guardians should make certain that their phone Caller ID will accept calls from the school main number.
- Students who are 18 or older may sign themselves out at the Student Release Table.
- Students who are 18 or older may pick up a younger sibling IF that student is on the sibling’s Emergency Form.
What Students Can Do to Prepare for an Emergency
- Parents/Guardians are required to submit Emergency Contacts in AERIES for each student each year. It is critical that the information is complete and up-to-date. The Emergency Information must include at least two persons who are authorized (and who consents) to pick up your student in case of an emergency, and who is available for emergency pick-up during school hours. In case of an emergency, students will be released ONLY to the persons designated as Emergency Contacts.
- Parents / Guardians are asked to share the responsibility for informing students of what to do in case of an emergency and to direct students to follow all instructions of school personnel. Students should be aware of who is likely to pick them up in case of an emergency.
- Parents / Guardians are asked to discuss with High School students the importance of staying on campus until they are released by school personnel, and to write down their next destination on the Student Release form.
What Parents & Students Can Expect in an Emergency
The primary responsibility of SPUSD school staff in an emergency is the safety of all students and staff. Each school site has made arrangements for rescue, first aid, sanitation, water, and other support, and is prepared to function on its own, under the direction of an incident commander. Each school site coordinates with the District Office, which in turn coordinates with local emergency services. Emergency-related communications will be sent using ParentSquare in the form of text messages, email, and potentially via phone.
Supervision of Students by School Personnel
- All students are to remain at school, or an alternate safe site, under the supervision of school personnel:
- Until released to an adult authorized on the Emergency Form; OR
- Until regular dismissal time, if school personnel determine that release is safe.
- If students are on their way to school, they should proceed to school and follow the direction of school personnel/first responders.
- If students are on their way home from school, they should continue home.
- District personnel may relocate students to another site where consolidated care facilities can be provided. If relocation to secondary or tertiary sites is necessary, signs will be posted at each school entrance and efforts will be made to contact parents via ParentSquare.
Emergency Release Areas
Emergency release areas may change depending on the incident and/or ingress to the School. You will be notified of the meeting location/student release area in the event of a school evacuation.