Camden Fairview School District | Family Safety & Communication Guide

 

What Families Can Expect During a School Safety Incident

Camden Fairview School District | Family Safety & Communication Guide

At Camden Fairview School District, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priorities. We know that when an emergency happens at school, families want accurate information, clear instructions, and reassurance that their children are being cared for.

CFSD uses established emergency procedures, including the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, to guide our response to emergencies and other situations affecting school safety.

Understanding Our School Safety Responses

SRP uses five standardized actions. Each has a specific purpose, and the action selected depends on the situation.

HOLD — In Your Room or Area. Clear the Halls.

Students and staff remain in their classrooms or designated areas while hallways are kept clear. Classroom activities generally continue.

Example: A medical emergency requires hallways to remain clear for first responders.

SECURE — Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors.

Students and staff move inside the building, exterior doors are secured, and activities generally continue indoors.

Example: Police activity or another potential threat outside the school.

LOCKDOWN — Locks, Lights, Out of Sight.

Students and staff secure classroom doors, turn off lights, remain out of sight, and stay quiet. This action is used when a threat requires rooms to be secured.

Example: A reported threat inside the school building.

EVACUATE — To the Announced Location.

Students and staff move to a designated location away from a hazard. School personnel account for students and follow established evacuation procedures.

Example: A fire, gas leak, or other condition requiring people to leave an area.

SHELTER — State the Hazard and Safety Strategy.

Students and staff follow protective instructions based on the specific hazard.

Example: Moving to designated severe-weather shelter areas during a tornado warning.

How CFSD Will Communicate With Families

1. You will hear from us quickly.

We will send an initial message as soon as we have confirmed facts. Even if we don’t have all the information yet, we will let you know what we can share.

2. We share only verified information.

We will tell you what we know, what actions the school is taking, and when to expect the next update. We do this to avoid speculation and misinformation.

3. We prioritize direct communication.

Families of the impacted school will receive information first through ParentSquare. Districtwide updates will follow if necessary. Social media and website updates will come last, only after all families are informed.

4. We will communicate on a set schedule.

You will always know when the next update is coming, even if there is no new information.

5. Student and staff safety comes first.

Our emergency procedures are designed to keep students and staff safe. This may mean securing classrooms, limiting movement in hallways, coordinating closely with police or first responders. We will resume normal operations only when it is safe.

6. Please do not come to the school.

During an emergency, additional traffic can interfere with first responders and district safety protocols. We will notify you as soon as it is safe to reunify or dismiss students.

7. What happens after the safety incident? 

We will provide follow-up information and supports as needed. The district will review our response to continually improve our safety protocols.

Your trust matters, and there is nothing more important than your child’s safety. We are committed to communicating clearly and quickly in every situation.