Safety and Security at Gray's Woods Elementary

Dear GW Families,

We have had a wonderful September! I am sending this email to update you on our safety and security procedures regarding entry into our buildings during school hours and to share our plans for annual safety drills. The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff is of utmost importance to us. We believe following these consistent expectations at each school building in our district will provide the high level of safety and security we aim for daily.

Student arrival/dismissal: Students who are dropped off by an adult may be dropped off at the “parent drop off” door when staff members open the doors, as early as 8:20am. Adults who drop students off earlier will need to use the buzzer to enter the building. Those students will be sent to CEEL and charged for the time they spend in that program. Adults who drop students off after 8:44 am should park in front of the main entrance, walk the student in to the office and sign them in.

Students who walk/ride bikes may enter the building when staff open the side “walker/biker” door at 8:25 am.

Once the school day has begun, adults dropping off students should plan to use the main entrance, which has a buzzer system to alert the office staff. They may be asked to state their name and reason for requesting entry. If the office personnel do not recognize them, they may be asked to show identification either before entering the building or upon sign-in at the office. The request is made to help ensure the safety of all students. While many front office staff members will grow to recognize most parents and frequent visitors, we ask for your patience as we have several visitors to the building each day.

Typically, students will only be released to parents or guardians. If you have made alternate

arrangements for another individual to pick up your son or daughter, this must be submitted to the school in advance. We hope you will understand our desire to protect our children and thank you in advance for your full cooperation.

Safety drills: In addition, in an effort to make sure our students and faculty understand and know what to do in the case of emergencies, we are planning several practice drills during the year. Some of these drills include procedures we practice monthly, our fire drills for example, and some we practice only a few times during the year. We wanted you to be aware of the various drills so you can be prepared to discuss them with your child if the topic arises at home.

1. Monthly Fire Drills – students and staff evacuate the building and report to a predetermined site outside the building.

2. Fall/Spring Severe Weather Drills (2) – students and staff report to a designated safe spot in the

building, away from large windows.

3. Secure in Place Drill – students and staff remain in rooms with doors locked, windows closed, and blinds pulled down. Officers and I check hallways, restrooms, and other areas within the building to ensure that all students are safe and accounted for.

4. Fall/Spring School Bus Evacuation Drills – students exit the bus upon their arrival to school to

practice for an emergency evacuation.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime. I look forward to seeing you at parent/teacher conferences later this month! Have a wonderful October!

Kristen Dewitt

Principal