Crisis Communication

Student safety is the top priority in every crisis situation. Blue Valley Schools follows a comprehensive crisis plan with procedures for a wide range of emergencies. Communication is a key part of the plan. During an emergency, the district stays in close contact with local emergency management officials and uses multiple channels to keep families informed.

Depending on the situation and any actions families may need to take, communication may include:

• District website
• District social media
• Automated Notification System (text, e-mail and/or telephone messages)
• News media

To keep the focus on student safety, all communications during an emergency are coordinated at the district level. In a true emergency, events can unfold quickly and may vary by school. Blue Valley Schools will do its best to share timely updates, especially regarding early or delayed dismissal times, transportation issues and any changes to the school day.

Because no single tool reaches everyone, the district will use a variety of methods to communicate. Nonemergency updates are generally sent by email. When a specific response or instructions are needed, multiple communication methods will be used.

Dismissal during an emergency

During emergencies, families are urged not to come to school until notified it is safe. Arriving during an emergency may cause significant delays in releasing individual students, as the priority is maintaining the safety of all students.

If dismissal times or procedures change because of an emergency, schools will use a student sign-out process to ensure safety.