Resource Officer

CONTACT

Jeff Trick

School Resource Officer

EMERGENCY RESPONSE OVERVIEW

» A comprehensive emergency response plan is in place and is reviewed and practiced on a regular basis.

» All SWMetro locations have a building-specific emergency response
plans and an emergency response team in place to respond.

» Emergency protocols have been developed in collaboration with area law enforcement and emergency response agencies.

» Emergency protocols are aligned with county, state and federal emergency plans.

» Emergency response drills are conducted at all locations throughout the course of the year to test our procedures and to fully assess our readiness.

» All locations are prepared to engage in the appropriate emergency response. Specific emergency protocols are confidential to protect the security of our plans.

» Specific emergency protocols are confidential to protect the security of our plans.

» We have specific plans for the reunification of parents and their children in the event of a major emergency.

See something, say something. Report any suspicious activities.

Creating Safe and Secure Environments

Providing safe and secure environments for our students to learn is the top priority of SouthWest Metro Intermediate District 288. We've taken measures to ensure our staff and students are prepared in the event a crisis situation occurs in or near one of our buildings.

Our staff is committed to preventing crisis situations by working closely to build relationships with students, creating a climate of respect and acceptance, and taking swift and fair discipline action when necessary.

Emergency Notifications

SouthWest Metro may need to send messages to students, parents, and staff in the event of a weather event or an emergency. One way you can receive notifications is through the School Messenger system. Ensure your contact information is current by logging into ParentVUE or StudentVUE or by contacting your school’s administrative assistant.

Log in to schoolmessenger.com/start to create or sign in to your account. You must use the email address on file with the school.

TO RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGE NOTIFICATIONS
Once your contact information is confirmed, you can opt-in to receive text messages. To receive text message notifications of any kind, you must text “Yes” to 68453.

Information regarding weather-related closures, late starts, and early releases will also be posted on the website and SWMetro social media channels.

What is a family's role BEFORE AN EMERGENCY?

Make sure your child’s emergency information is correct. If there is any change in a student’s name, home address, mailing address, telephone number, or emergency contact numbers, please update notifying the appropriate people.
Accurate records need to be maintained to ensure appropriate communication with parents/guardians. Only people listed on the emergency card are allowed to pick up children from school.
Keep the school nurse informed of a child’s medical condition and provide emergency medical supplies and medication.

What is a family's role DURING AN EMERGENCY?

During an emergency, it is a natural instinct for families to want to rush to their child. We want to reassure you that we share the same instinct—to protect and safeguard your children. Our organized, systematic procedures and plans guide our response to a wide-range of crisis situations.

Here are a few ways you can help us effectively respond to a crisis:

The spread of false and misleading information based on hearsay only works against an efficient and effective resolve to the situation so, please refrain from speculating on social media and other communication platforms.
SWMetro's administration works closely in these situations with local police and sheriff offices and they will be one of the main sources for accurate and updated information.
Remain close to your phone or computer. We will send accurate information and instructions to your contact information. Check your email, text messages and SWMetro's website for updates.
Remain calm, follow procedures, and cooperate with school and public safety officials.
Please do not go to the building. Traffic may block emergency responders from getting to the scene.
Please do not call the building. It is essential to keep phone lines open so school officials can make outgoing emergency calls. If office staff members are answering parent calls, it distracts them from their role in keeping the students safe.

What is a family's role AFTER AN EMERGENCY?

Following a school crisis, specially trained district personnel are available to provide counseling and outside referrals to students, staff members and others who may need it.

Monitor your student’s behavior and let the school know if you think counseling or help is needed.
School psychologists, social workers and counselors – trained in crisis intervention and recovery – are available to students and their families in all emergencies.
The district will work as quickly as possible to restore normal operations and will inform parents/guardians of any changes.

Conversations for Families about Emergency Procedures

Students with first hand information about the incident should call 911.

We know that during a school emergency many of our students will try to call or text their parent or guardian. If this occurs, we ask that you stay calm and reassuring. Encourage your student to follow the directions of school staff.
Students should silence their cell phones.
To prevent confusion or added safety risks, students and parents should refrain from posting/sharing/commenting on social media any information that has not been verified
by the school district or law enforcement.
Reinforce with your child that the school has procedures to keep them safe and that they should follow the directions of school faculty and public safety officials during an emergency.
Understand that we may require families to pick up their children at a reunification site other than their child's building. If you are asked to pick up your child, you will be asked to follow the checkout procedure established for emergencies.
The family reunification system was developed to ensure the safety and accountability of students and it is vital that it be followed. We will communicate the location of the reunification site through the channels provided above.

Local Crisis Hotlines and Resources

Carver County Mental Health Crisis Line |  (952) 442-7601

Child Protection |  (952) 361-1600
Call to report child abuse & neglect.

Crisis Connection |  (612) 379-6363
Free 24-hour mental health telephone counseling and resources.

Crisis Nursery |  (612) 839-5101
Safe, temporary child care for your children during times of crisis.

Poison Control |  (800) 222-1222

Scott County Mental Health Crisis Line
8:00 am - 4:30 pm | (952) 496-8481
4:30 pm - 8:00 am | (952) 818-3702

Sexual Violence Center |  (612) 871-5111
24-hour services to victims of sexual assault & concerned persons.

Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women |  (952) 873-4214
24-hour crisis line, safe homes, support groups, and supervised visitation for battered women and their children.

Trans LifeLine |  (877) 565-8860
translifeline.org is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.