Citizens across our nation are routinely faced with emergency crisis' that in many ways affect our American way of life.  When we are faced with these challenges there must be a process in place to inform and protect our citizens.

The School Board of Alachua County has developed crisis and emergency plans that are being used at each school site.  These plans cover a wide variety of possible emergencies; including bomb threats, bus accidents, chemical spills, evacuations, lockdowns and weather emergencies.  These plans are annually updated by a committee of School Board staff, local law enforcement, fire/rescue and emergency management personnel.  To reinforce the procedures outlined in the plans, practice drills are conducted at each school, so that both staff and students will understand what is expected of them when these emergencies arise.  As parents you probably remember participating in fire drills.  Today we have expanded our drills to include the aforementioned.  Our overall goal is to ensure some measure of confidence in our security as we meet the needs of our students and staff members.

As a parent/guardian you have a major role to play if we were faced with an actual emergency.  Your cooperation with the following will help our schools deal with emergencies efficiently and safely:

	Become informed before you jump in your car and head to the school.  This will help us keep the roadways accessible to emergency vehicles.
	Avoid calling the school.  There are only a few incoming lines at each school and the lines will jam.  Through television and radio, the Alachua County Office of Emergency Management will be giving out information.  A special phone number is dedicated as a "Rumor Control Hotline" so you can obtain correct information on what has happened and what to do.  That number is (352) 264-6557.
	Make sure that your information on the Emergency Notification Card is accurate.  Depending on the type and extent of the emergency, children may be evacuated to an alternate site near the school.  We have procedures to go by when we release students to adults.  Children can only be release to persons named on the emergency card.

Providing a safe and orderly environment in the Alachua County school district is a top priority.  We need students and parents to follow these procedures to help ensure that safety and security of our students and staff.

If you have additional questions please feel free to contact me by phone (352) 955-7880 or by email at wrightpa@gm.sbac.edu.