• At Suffolk Public Schools, our students' and staff' safety and well-being remain our top priority. To keep families informed and reassured during emergencies, we want to ensure parents understand our steps to provide timely, accurate, and transparent communication. This overview outlines our crisis communication protocols and reinforces our commitment to student safety and open dialogue with our school community. 

    In the event of an emergency, the school division will activate its emergency plan and response teams, while all appropriate emergency response agencies will be dispatched to the school. Depending on the nature of the incident, students and staff will either be secured within the building or relocated to a designated safe site. Families will be kept informed through official Suffolk Public Schools communications, with the automated phone system serving as the primary method of contact. For safety and efficiency, parents will not be permitted on school grounds during an emergency, as responders require the area to remain clear. Once it is deemed safe, emergency personnel will either clear the building or coordinate a controlled release of students at a designated reunification site. 

    Parents, please ensure your contact information in eschool is current and accurate, including who is authorized to pick up your student. Suffolk Public Schools will use this information and multiple communication channels (if opted in) to provide accurate and timely information in the event of an emergency. Our goal is to be transparent while protecting the privacy and well-being of those involved.  Information will be shared once it is verified and appropriate for release. 

    Types of Building Emergencies May Include: 

    • Weather-related closures or delays
    • Building evacuations (e.g., fire, gas leak)
    • Safety threats
    • Medical emergencies involving multiple students/staff
    • Unexpected changes to dismissal or transportation

    How Can Parents Prepare For A Reunification?

    • Parents will be directed to the reunification site, and will need photo identification.
    • Students will only be released to a parent, guardian, or other adult listed on the student’s Emergency Information Form, which is completed at the beginning of the school year.
    • The individual picking up the student will be asked to complete the sign-out sheet (available on-site). (This procedure is designed for your student’s protection.)

    Please be aware that reunification can be very time-consuming, and we appreciate your patience.

     

     

    How Can Parents Help?

      • Keep your contact information updated in the school system
      • Follow Suffolk Public Schools' official social media channels
      • Refrain from coming to your child's school unless directed (to ensure emergency teams can respond)
      • We strongly suggest that students should not use cell phones during an emergency unless directed by an adult. Students must pay attention to instructions from trained personnel.
      • Reach out for counseling support, if needed

      Communication Channels

        • Phone Calls, Text Alerts & Emails - (Sent through our automated messaging system) - Used for urgent, time-sensitive updates
        • School/Division Website Announcements - Home page alert banners and updates posted in real time
        • Social Media, if necessary - (verified school and district accounts ONLY)
        • Local news outlets may be asked to broadcast information.

        *Impersonating an official Suffolk Public Schools social media account or posting false information about or from the school system under an anonymous account or alias is prohibited. Depending on the nature of the post, such action may result in notification to local law enforcement. If made by an employee or student, it could result in disciplinary action.

        What Communication Can Parents Expect?

          • An initial message as soon as accurate, verified information is available.
          • Regular updates as the situation evolves
          • Summary email (within 24 hours) with incident details once the crisis is resolved (as appropriate), including next steps if needed
          • Resources for students and families, if needed

          *The initial message parents receive (or "Holding Statement") may provide general details about the event as an investigation may be ongoing. SPS will use Holding Statements to acknowledge an incident, give facts, alleviate concerns, and provide time to gather more information. Suffolk Public Schools will release additional information following the Holding Statements, in order to not interfere with ongoing investigations.