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Cynwyd Elementary School

Off-Canvas

Emergency Pick-up Info

Parents and guardians will go to the gym and report to the teacher on duty in order to retrieve their children. Students will be sent, by individual classes, to the cafeteria after being released from their classrooms by the principal or her designee.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The District's first priority is the safety, security, and well-being of our students. In light of recent international events, it is understandable that parents may be concerned about the welfare of their children. I want to assure you that there is and has been for many years an Emergency Operations Plan in place. The procedures are tailored for each individual school. These plans will be implemented should the need arise. The Administration reviews these plans regularly and has recently revised them to reflect the aspects of current issues.

Different actions may be taken in response to the specific emergency. However, as a general rule of thumb, the District will take one of two courses of action-a lockdown/shelter in place or an evacuation. In either situation it is imperative that parents assist us by respecting the processes that will be put into effect. This will enable us to handle an emergency in the most orderly manner possible, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Here is an overview of the procedures we have in place for the safety of our students and staff:

  • Each classroom in the District is equipped with an Emergency Plan.
  • Each building has its own emergency and evacuation plans (all staff members including substitutes are versed on it).
  • Each building has drill procedures for evacuations, lockdowns, early releases, and emergency situations.
  • We have developed district-wide and school-based internal and external communication systems.
  • If it is necessary to shelter in place, students will be escorted to a central, safe location as directed by the principal or designee.
  • In the event of an incident where outside air may be contaminated, all of the ventilation systems will be shut down and the dampers will be closed.
  • Each building is equipped with emergency food and water supplies. These are being upgraded to ensure that we have appropriate amounts available for the number of staff and students.
  • Schools are equipped with emergency supplies, including first aid kits and "go bags", (which have essential information in them-student lists, emergency contact information, flashlights, and security plans).
  • District Personnel have been trained to assist in emergency situations and counselors have been trained to help in crisis interventions.
  • Central Administration has designated personnel to assist and respond to all schools as needed.
  • Each school has a designated area established for student pick-up. (The emergency pick-up location for Belmont Hills Elementary School will be the Main Office). Students will only be released to their parents/guardians or those indicated on the student's emergency card and that individual may be asked to produce identification before a student is released. Parents/guardians must remain in the designated area until their child is brought to them.

In the event of an emergency situation or unusual event that disrupts the students' normal routine, the District has developed a communication procedure to quickly and accurately inform the parents, staff, and community of the relevant information. Communication will occur through the District's web site (www.lmsd.org) and the Educational Access Comcast Channel 6. We will also notify KYW 1060 Newsradio. Parents can also call the District Hotline at 610-645-0143 for an updated emergency message. Communication will also occur through letters to parents, school/HSA listserves, and phone chains.

In the event of a lockdown/shelter in place, the building(s) will be locked with NO arrivals or departures of anyone including staff, students or parents. We will follow our emergency procedures as well as those directed by local and/or government agencies.

An internal communication system has been established to share information between district office and building staff. In the event of power, internet, or telephone failure, LMSD's internal communication system should remain intact through a two-way radio system linking all schools to the superintendent's office.

As a District we are in frequent communication with our local law enforcement and continue to seek their advice, along with that of the emergency personnel, for the best methods of protecting our students and staff. To that end, we wanted to share with you what the District is doing to provide a safe, positive, secure and caring environment for our children. We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your school principal or the School & Community Relations office (610-645-1977) anytime.

Sincerely,

Robert Copeland
Superintendent of Schools