Standard Response Protocol
Dear Parents,
In efforts to continually provide a safe environment for students and to effectively respond to emergencies, the Newport School District recently adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). Through training and drills, we have introduced the procedures to staff and students. The SRP, which can be seen below and is displayed in poster format in all of our buildings, has also been distributed to all Pend Oreille County First Responders and is also implemented in Bonner County. The SRP provides consistent language, colorful visuals, and specific instructions in order to increase effective communication for our schools and first responders during emergency situations. Our schools will practice these responses several times throughout the year so that students and staff become accustomed to each of the four actions:
Lockout: This action protects students and staff from a threat that is outside the school, and ensures everyone gets inside and stays inside the building. (For more information, see video link posted below.)
Lockdown: This action protects students and staff from a threat inside the building and involves organizing students inside their classrooms, locking the doors and remaining out of sight. (For more information, please see video http://iloveuguys.org/cctt_orientation.html )
Evacuation: This action moves students and staff out of the building to escape a threat such as a fire.
Shelter: This action occurs during an extreme weather event, natural disaster, bomb or hazardous materials spill. Students and staff move to specified locations within the building and protect themselves.
By standardizing the vocabulary, all stakeholders can understand the response and status of the event. For students, this provides continuity of expectations and actions throughout their educational career. For teachers, this becomes a simpler process to train and drill. For first responders, the common vocabulary and protocols establish a greater predictability that persists through the duration of an incident.
The SRP is being recognized and implemented in schools nationwide. Below you will find a link to the full K-12 SRP. Parents, please take a few minutes and review the complete SRP and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Please click here for the full SRP booklet
Thank you,
David E. Smith, Jr., Ed.D
Superintendent
Newport School District
509-447-3167