The safety and security of the Novato Unified School District’s students and staff is of utmost importance. NUSD has a comprehensive crisis plan and district administrators coordinate closely with city emergency management officials and law enforcement representatives to monitor and update plans on a regular basis.
In addition, schools have security measures to ensure the well-being of students and staff. These include:
How can I as a parent or guardian be assured that I receive the most up-to-date information from my child’s school?
To ensure that you receive the most accurate account of the emergency situation, keep your contact information up to date with schools on your child’s emergency card. Please contact the office manager at your child’s school to update.
How and when will I be notified if there is an emergency at my child’s school?
The means and immediacy of communication will depend on the scope of the event and on the potential or actual impact to the safety of the students. While it’s difficult to describe all possible scenarios, the following can be used a guide to gauge the district’s level of notification and systems used to communicate with families:
| Impact Level | Notification Response |
|---|---|
| A low-impact incident: Poses no or minimal risk to the safety of the school. There are no disruptions to regular school activities, and the incident is an isolated one that does not impact more than one student.
Example: A small disturbance or fight. |
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| A moderate-impact incident: Poses a moderate risk to the school. Results in some disruption to school activities such as a change of schedule or cancellation of some activities.
Example: A gas leak or a threat to the school |
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| A high-impact incident: The incident poses a significant risk to the safety of the students, which results in a significant disruption to school activities, change of schedule, evacuation, cancellation of activities, and impacts many students.
Example: An intruder in school or the use of a weapon in school resulting in injuries to students or staff |
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Should I report to the scene of the incident/emergency?
In the case of a high-impact emergency situation in a school or at a school-sponsored activity, parents and guardians are encouraged to remain close to their sources of communication, whether phone or email, to ensure they are receiving accurate and timely updates. Access to the scene will be limited and controlled by fire or police officials, so you will be asked to wait for instructions for picking up your child.
Once the emergency is declared “over,” will parents and guardians be able to report to their child’s school?
When NUSD communicates to families that the school emergency has ended, we will provide on how you will reunite with your child. Parents and guardians will be directed to a specific location that could be off campus. It is important that everyone follow these directions for the safety of all students, staff and parents or guardians.
Remember, a student can only be released to an adult that is documented as an emergency contact.
If the school building is evacuated, how will I be able to locate my child?
If an evacuation occurs during the school day, there is a possibility that the students will return to school and normal bus service will resume. If returning to the school is not possible, students will be located at a safe site until you (or an adult designated on your child’s emergency card) can pick them up. Your child may text or call you about the evacuation before NUSD is able to notify you. Please rely on the district’s information and monitor your phone or email closely to ensure you are receiving accurate and timely updates from district staff. Student texts and social media can cause confusion and further disrupt safety protocols.
Remember, a student can only be released to an adult who is documented as an emergency contact. If you are a non-custodial parent, you must be listed with your child’s emergency contact information as a guardian and show proper identification.