Safety & Security

Accurate & Timely Communication

SSPPS places a high value on the connections we have with students, families, and the community. We communicate in a variety of ways to help grow these important relationships. While the district strives to be proactive, accurate and timely in communication with families and our greater SSP community, there may be times when circumstances dictate longer notification or response times. There may also be certain information that the district is unable to share due to data privacy reasons. For example:

• With our number one priority being the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff, our first order of business is to handle the situation at hand

• We then need to gather information from a variety of sources to ensure we are communicating accurately. Often those sources are the ones directly involved with the situation and they need time to finish that important work first.

• Knowing there are many data privacy considerations that can come into play as well, we will always do our best to communicate what we can, as soon as we can.

The district will use a variety of communication channels when there is a need to move into a Lockdown, Secure, Evacuate or Shelter:

• ParentSquare:  The district uses the electronic notification system ParentSquare to send direct messages via email, voicemail, and/or text message to district families and staff. This system communicates emergency information quickly, as well as important messages, alerts, and reminders.
  To ensure you receive these messages, It’s important for families to make sure their contact information is up-to-date in the Campus Parent/Family Portal. To update your contact information in the Campus Parent/Family Portal, visit the Resources tab of the District’s website.

• Website/Newsletters/Social Media:  The District may also use our website www.sspps.org, school or district newsletters or our social media channels such as FaceBook, Instagram or Twitter to provide information to families.

The district will not typically communicate with families when there is a need to move into a Hold as those are usually low level incidents where classrooms operate as normal, but hallways are kept clear to allow staff or medical personnel to deal with a situation.

Student/Staff Training and Family Communication

Staff Training: Prior to the start of each school year, school leaders will train all staff on the District’s Safety Response Protocol.

Student Training: During the first week of school, teachers will train all students on the District’s Safety Response Protocol

Family Communication: At the beginning of each school year, SSPPS will provide families with a Safety and Security update which includes information on the District’s Safety Response Protocol. School leaders will also provide families with a tentative list of emergency drill dates.

Emergency Drills

Each school is required, per MN Statute, to perform five 5 lockdown drills, 5 fire drills, and 1 severe weather drill each school year. One lockdown and one fire drill must each be completed within the first 10 days of school.

The primary objective of a drill is for participants to build muscle memory, and practice an action to use in various events or situations. A secondary objective is for school staff to validate procedures, clarify roles and identify operational process gaps. Drills are for staff and students, and are educational opportunities to practice life safety skills. For example, an evacuation drill is conducted at schools worldwide regularly. A fire alarm goes off, students line up and head outside. There is no trauma in these events because there is no simulation of a threat or hazard. Schools do not light fires in the hallways to simulate an evacuation due to fire. Lockdown drills are similar. There is no simulated violence needed to conduct them. The only information needed is for the protocol to be enacted, “Lockdown, locks, lights, out of sight,” and then students and staff perform the proper functions.

SSPPS has a comprehensive team of  specifically trained professionals that play key roles in supporting our students. Each school building has counselors, social workers, and school psychologists that work collaboratively to support both the academic and social-emotional needs of our students. This support network is a critical component both during and after a school situation.