Safety and Security

What is the Standard Response Protocol ?  The “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP)  is consistent, clear, shared language and actions among all students, staff and first responders for all hazards. Students and staff are trained and will practice the responses through drills. The SRP is action based, and allows organizations, first responders, students, and parents to share a specific vocabulary for quick and coordinated action. It also acts as a tool for training which develops the muscle memory necessary to respond appropriately in moments of crisis. 

2. Why was SRP developed? The SRP was developed with input from many safety practitioners and is action-based, defining each physical response. When the actions are practiced and understood, they can be used almost universally for any incident. This is a life skill that stretches far beyond school. 

3. What actions is the SRP based on? The SRP is based on the response to any given situation, not on individual scenarios. The SRP is based on five actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter and can be performed during the incident and are followed by a directive. It rationally organizes tactics for response to weather events, fires, accidents, intruders and other threats to personal safety. 

4. What are the benefits of SRP?  Standardized vocabulary. By standardizing the vocabulary, 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. Parents can easily understand the practices and can reinforce the protocol. Additionally, this protocol enables rapid response determination when an unforeseen event occurs. The protocol also allows for a more predictable series of actions as an event unfolds. An intruder event may start as a Lockdown, but as the intruder is isolated, first responders may assist as parts of the school “Evacuate to a different building,” and later “Evacuate to the bus zone.” 

5. How many organizations are currently using the SRP? The “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s programs for crisis response and post-crisis reunification are used in more than 40,000 schools, districts, departments, agencies, organizations and communities around the world. They are created through the research-based best practices of school administrators, psychologists, public space safety experts, families, and first responders.

6. If students are unexpectedly released or evacuated from school, is there a reunification plan in place? Yes, the school district has a standard reunification method (SRM) in place. It is practiced by staff and developed with and shared with local law enforcement agencies. A reunification may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazmat, or if a crisis occurs at the school. A reunification may occur at a different location than the school a student attends. If reunification is necessary, communication about the location and details of the reunification process will be sent to families of students impacted. You would need to bring Identification as well as your patience. The reunification process protects both the safety of the student and provides for an accountable change of custody from the school to a recognized custodial parent or guardian.

7. I have additional questions? Who should I contact? Please contact your child’s school or call the District Office at 763-792-3365. For information on the SRP program, please check out their website at www.iloveuguys.org.

In the event of a school cancellation due to inclement weather, families will receive an automated phone call, text message, and/or e-mail from Delano Public Schools with at least 2-hours notice prior to the normal school start time. Messages will also be posted on the District website, social media, and will appear on local media outlets. E-Learning Days will be announced at the same time as the school cancellation announcement. School administration will assess the impact of the E-Learning day and make adjustments as needed. 

To promote student safety, school staff will conduct at least 11 drills annually (5 fire, 2 secure mode, 3 lockdown, and 1 severe weather).  Participation in lockdown drills is optional for students. To learn more about lockdown drills and/or to opt your student out of safety and security drills , please speak with the building principal.

At all times, it is critical for students to follow the instructions of staff.

The school district is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Acts of bullying, in any form, by either an individual student or a group of students, are prohibited on school district property, at school-related functions or activities, on school transportation, and by misuse of technology. The school district cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying between students, particularly when students are not under the direct supervision of school personnel. However, to the extent such conduct affects the educational environment of the school district and the rights and welfare of its students and is within the control of the school district in its normal operations, the school district intends to prevent bullying and to take action to investigate, respond to, and to remediate and discipline for those acts of bullying which have not been successfully prevented. The purpose of this policy is to assist the school district in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying, intimidation, violence, reprisal, retaliation, and other similar disruptive and detrimental behavior.

For detailed information, see the school district’s “Bullying Prohibition” policy 514. All members of the Delano community are encouraged to report acts of bullying, harassment, or harmful behaviors through the Delano Safe Schools Tip Line.