Dear Arlington Families:

The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. During these uncertain times, it is important to remember that Arlington Public Schools has an emergency preparedness/crisis response plan in place. Our Plan has been formulated to respond to any disaster. It deals with everything from fire drills to district wide intruder lockdowns.

Our Emergency Plan includes provision for a “Shelter in Place”, which means students will be protected within a safe area and will not be released until the emergency is over. “Shelter in Place” signs will be placed at entrances and classrooms during a drill/emergency. Food, water, and provisions have been stored in the event we must remain at school for extended periods of time.

The following guidelines will help us to be most effective in an emergency situation:

1. In general, school will not be dismissed early due to an emergency.

2. A complete list of radio and television stations that will have current school information is available on your district calendar and our website at www.asd.wednet.edu. Please print this information so it is readily available in an emergency.

3. Telephone lines may be needed for emergency communication, so please do not call the school.

4. For the safety of our students, it is necessary for your child to follow the directions of any school personnel in times of an emergency.

Students will be released only when it is safe to do so. Students will be released only to parents and/or persons identified on the Student Locator Card. Therefore, it is vital to keep this information updated. During an emergency, students will be released at designated areas located on school campuses. Identification is required for anyone wishing to take students home and will be checked against names on the locator cards.

Additional resources are available online at www.redcross.org/services/disaster/, as well as on the emergency information page on our website at www.asd.wednet.edu. I encourage you to print the information and keep it with your emergency supplies so it is readily available when needed. If you have questions regarding the District or individual school emergency plans, please contact your school office. We have an exceptional staff that will keep the safety and well being of your child as their highest priority.

Sincerely,

Linda Byrnes, Superintendent