Emergency Preparedness

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Amid the uncertainty and tension that have become a part of the world today, the Board of Education, the school principals, and I want to assure you that we are doing everything reasonably possible to protect your children against any threat that may occur while they are in our care. Although we are hopeful that events related to war and terrorism will not directly affect our schools, we firmly believe that schools are among the safest places for students to be.

We have worked diligently over recent years to plan and to practice safety and security measures. Each school has an Emergency Preparedness Plan that includes preparation for the effects of war or terrorism. Students and staff have practiced—and will continue to practice—emergency procedures. Schools have some emergency supplies such as water, food, and first aid equipment on hand. A new procedure, “Shelter-In-Place,” has been established -- Please view Emergency Procedures. You may be receiving a request from the school for some supplies for this procedure.

Schools are a priority when services are needed from fire, police, or other agencies. LAUSD has established communication systems with local law enforcement and military officers from the nearby bases that will be used as needed. Parents should know that access to schools during an emergency incident might be restricted for a variety of reasons. In such instances, parents should remain aware of public notices on radio, television, and the internet about emergency procedures and updates. Please take a moment to review the enclosed information on Emergency Preparedness. Student and staff safety is our first priority. All procedures are designed for their protection.

You can best help your child by reassuring him/her that he/she is safe at home and at school. Take a moment to review the information on the reverse side of this letter regarding communication with your child during a time of crisis. If your child, however, needs to talk to someone, our teachers, learning specialists, counselors, psychologists, and administrators are always available to help. Please let your child’s teacher or counselor know if you have any concerns for which the school staff can assist.

For suggestions on how to develop a comprehensive home emergency preparedness plan, you may wish to go online to www.ready.gov, the website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If you do not have access to the internet, a copy of this information is available at each school site.

Our students never cease to amaze me. In school we teach academic lessons, but after September 11, 2001 our children taught us an important lesson: that resiliency, the American spirit, and hope are alive and well in our young generation. As we work to ensure safety at home, it is important to think of the brave men and women of our armed forces. Our thoughts and support are with them, and we hope for their safe return home.

Thank you, as always, for your support as we continue to provide our students with a safe school environment.