Emergency Procedures
We are committed to student and staff safety in our schools and district buildings. We continually evaluate school safety procedures and protocols, while working to be as transparent as possible.
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Procedures for School Cancellations | TIP Portal | Safety Drills | Safety Protocols
Throughout the school year, South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) may enter into an emergency closure, an e-learning day (extended learning day), or may choose to cancel after-school activities due to bad weather or other situations in which school cannot be held in-person.
Things to Know
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SoWashCo Schools consults with a variety of internal and external experts in order to make the best decision possible for students, staff and families. The Superintendent then evaluates several factors before choosing to cancel school through an emergency closure or to shift to an e-learning day.
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Dismissing students early is not logistically possible for a district our size.
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SoWashCo continually monitors the forecast from the National Weather Service in order to make the best decision for students.
Procedures
Students are often aware of situations before adults and they can make positive impacts in our school community. But sometimes, they just need a safe and easy way to report issues without fear of embarrassment or retaliation.
SoWashCo Schools' Tip and Information Portal (T.I.P), is a confidential way for secondary students to report issues, concerns and other important information about school. Report an issue through T.I.P.
Submitted tips can include topics such as academic concerns, alcohol or drug use, bullying, discrimination, mental health concerns, parking issues, potential violence and more.
All tips are taken seriously and will be reviewed throughout the school week. It is important to know that T.I.P. is not a replacement for emergency services. If there is immediate danger, please call 911.
How to Use T.I.P.
- Access the T.I.P. form.
- Simply fill out the form, including what happened, where the incident occurred, who was involved and any other details you can provide.
- The more information you provide, the better we can address the situation.
- If needed, you may attach a photo or video.
- You may choose to provide your name and contact information to help staff to respond to the situation.
Required Drills
The goal of a safety drill is to show students and staff what needs to be done in an emergency.
What is a Safety Drill?
At school, we do safety drills to help keep everyone safe — students, teachers, and staff. A drill is like practice. We pretend something bad might happen, like a fire, a dangerous person, or a big storm. We learn what to do and where to go. This helps us stay safe and calm if something really happens.
Minnesota Law Says We Must Practice These Drills Every Year:
● Evacuation Drill (5 times a year): We practice leaving the building safely, like if there was a fire.
● Security Drill (5 times a year): We practice staying inside the building and locking doors to stay safe.
● Shelter Drill (1 time a year): We practice going to a safe place inside the building, like during bad weather.
● Bus Evacuation Drill (1 time a year for children riding a bus): We learn how to leave a school bus safely.
Why Do We Do Drills?
Drills help us know what to do in an emergency. When we practice together, we can all stay safe. Children will also experience emergency drills when they go to elementary school.
What Happens During a Drill?
● Teachers tell children before the drill:
“Today we will practice being safe. This is what I will do, and this is what we will do together.”
● Children are told it is just practice — not scary, just for safety.
● Drills are done in a calm and quiet way.
● Everyone in the school joins the drill.
How Can Parents Help?
Tell your child:
“Drills are like a game to practice staying safe.”
Safety Protocols
SoWashCo Schools uses the Standard Safety Response Protocol which is based on five actions for safety. Students and staff are trained on these procedures and practice drills throughout the school year.