Emergency Response

At Sisters School District, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. While emergencies are rare, our schools are prepared through comprehensive planning, ongoing staff training, regular drills, and strong partnerships with local law enforcement, fire, and emergency response agencies. Every situation is managed by trained professionals whose primary focus is protecting students and staff. While every school maintains detailed emergency response plans, no two emergencies are exactly alike. Our teams are trained to assess each situation, follow established protocols, and adapt their response as circumstances evolve to ensure the safest possible outcome.

During an emergency, clear, timely, and accurate communication is essential. Families will receive official updates through ParentSquare, the district website, and other district communication channels as information becomes available. Depending on the nature of the incident, communication may not be immediate. During the initial stages of an emergency, district staff and first responders must first assess the situation, secure the scene, and ensure the safety of students and staff before information can be shared. We understand that waiting for updates can be difficult, but providing accurate information is always more important than providing immediate information.

We also ask families to rely on these official sources rather than social media, rumors, or unverified information, which can spread quickly and unintentionally create confusion. To ensure you receive emergency notifications without delay, please keep your contact information current in ParentSquare. Accurate phone numbers, email addresses, and notification preferences are essential for receiving important updates during an emergency.

In some situations, students may be able to contact family members directly using their personal devices. While these messages are understandable, they often provide only a partial picture of what is happening. Official district communication, coordinated by the Superintendent and district leadership in partnership with emergency responders, should always be considered the most accurate and up-to-date source of information.

For the safety of everyone involved, families should carefully follow the instructions provided by the district and emergency personnel. Unless specifically directed, please do not come to the school during an emergency. Additional vehicles and people can interfere with first responders, delay emergency operations, and make reunification more difficult. If student reunification becomes necessary, families will receive detailed instructions explaining when, where, and how students can be safely reunited with their parent or guardian.

By remaining calm, relying on official communication, and following the directions provided, families play an important role in helping emergency responders protect students and resolve situations as safely and efficiently as possible.

Have questions? Please contact Safety & Security for more information or assistance.