Emergency Student Pick Up Procedures

Review the process and procedures for picking up your student in the event of an emergency.

If you are asked to pick up your student, please note that you must have a valid photo ID and be the parent of the child you are picking up or be listed as an emergency contact in our student information system. Students will not be released to unknown persons.

There will be a wait when you come to the indicated location to pick up your child. Please be patient and follow the signs and directions to expedite this process.

Standard Reunification Method

Student and parent/guardian reunification

Circumstances may occur at the school that require parents to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release. This process is called a Reunification and may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazmat, or a crisis at the school. The Standard Reunification Method is a protocol that makes this process more predictable and less chaotic for all involved. Because a reunification is not a typical end-of-school day event, a reunification may occur at a different location than the school a student attends.

Notification

The school will notify parents by text, email or phone call through ParentSquare as soon as possible. Social media and local media outlets will also be used.

Parent/guardian expectations

If a parent or guardian is notified that reunification is needed, there are some expectations that parents or guardians should be aware of. First, bring identification. That will streamline things during reunification. Second, be patient. Reunification is a process that protects the student’s safety and provides for an accountable change of custody from the school to a recognized custodial parent or guardian. 

What if a parent or guardian can’t pick up their student?

When a parent or guardian can’t immediately go to the reunification site, students will only be released to individuals previously identified as a student’s emergency contact. Otherwise, the school will hold students until parents can pick up their students. 

Reunification cards

For parents, there are a couple of steps. We advise greater awareness of traffic and emergency vehicles if you drive to the reunification location. Parents or guardians should park where indicated and not abandon vehicles. Parents or guardians should proceed to the Reunification “Check In” area and form lines based on the first letter of their student’s last name. While in line, parents must fill out a reunification card. This card is perforated and will separate during the process. Some of the same information is repeated on both the top and separated bottom of the card. Parents or guardians are asked to complete all parts of the card. When multiple students are reunified, a separate card for each student needs to be completed. 

Bring ID to check-in

We will confirm identification and custody rights during check-in. The reunification card is separated, and parents/guardians keep the bottom half. From the “Check In” area, parents or guardians are directed to the “Reunification” area. A runner will take the bottom half of the card to the Student Assembly Area to recover the student or students. Parents or guardians should be aware that, in some cases, you may be invited into the building for further information. 

Interviews and counseling

In some cases, parents may be advised that a law enforcement investigation is underway and may be advised that interviews are necessary. In extreme cases, parents may be pulled aside for emergency or medical information.