As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment, Cedar Rapids Community School District is implementing three updated safety protocols for the 2024-2025 school year: Hold, Secure, and Lockdown. These protocols are designed to ensure the safety of students and staff in various emergency situations. The district’s Safe & Secure Learning Environment Administrator, Police Pals, and School Resource Offices will be discussing these protocols with students in the coming weeks.
Hold – The Hold protocol is used when we need to keep hallways clear due to an issue inside the building that is not related to an immediate threat. This could include a medical emergency or any situation where movement in the halls would be disruptive.
- Actions for Students and Staff: During a Hold, hallways will be cleared, classroom doors will be shut and locked, and all students and staff will remain in their classrooms. Learning and activities will continue as usual inside the classroom until an “all clear” is given.
- For Families: You may not notice a Hold protocol has been initiated unless you are at the school during the incident. Communication about the Hold will likely not be sent out afterward unless warranted.
Secure – The Secure protocol is used when there is a potential threat outside the school building, such as police activity in the surrounding neighborhood. The goal is to keep students safe inside while limiting access to the building.
- Actions for Students and Staff: All exterior doors and windows are closed and locked, and no one is allowed to enter or exit the building. Inside, it’s business as usual, and classes continue uninterrupted.
- For Families: If a Secure protocol is enacted, no one will be allowed in or out of the building until the threat is resolved. You will receive communication from the school or district regarding the situation AFTER the “all clear” has been given.
Lockdown – A Lockdown is used when an immediate threat is inside or near the school. This protocol is designed to protect students and staff from harm.
- Actions for Students and Staff: During a Lockdown, all interior and exterior doors and windows are locked. Students and staff are instructed to initiate their Run-Hide-Fight Plan. They can “run” to escape, if possible. If escape is not possible, they can “hide” in a safe place away from view. As a last resort, they can “fight” if they come into direct contact with the threat. No one is allowed to move until law enforcement or school administration lifts the lockdown.
- For Families: In the event of a Lockdown, it is critical that families stay away from the school. Law enforcement will handle the situation, and no one will be allowed into the building until the threat is gone. The district will communicate with families as soon as it is safe to do so.
In any of these situations, we understand that your first instinct as a parent or guardian is to want immediate information or to pick up your child. However, it is essential for everyone’s safety that parents refrain from calling or going to the school when these Safety Protocols are initiated. During a crisis, school staff and emergency responders must focus on students’ safety. Unnecessary calls make it harder for staff to respond to the threat or to communicate with emergency personnel. Also, arriving at the school can place you in harm’s way, complicate safety efforts, and reduce response time.
We thank you for your cooperation and continued support in keeping our schools safe. Your partnership is crucial in ensuring that everyone in our school community is equipped, empowered, and engaged to excel.
