Dear Parents and Guardians,

The devastating events that occurred on Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School have shaken all of us deeply.  Our hearts go out to the family, friends, relatives, and personnel that have lost their precious loved ones.  As a result, I feel it is important to provide you some information regarding various safety procedures at Arlington Heights High School.   Please take a moment to review the information on the FWISD website under the tab “Know the Plan” (www.fwisd.org/plan).  School tragedies are rare; however, every school in this state and nation have protocols in place to keep students as safe as possible.  The following is taken from our school’s multi-hazard emergency operations plan for the 2012 – 2013 school year. 

Fire Alarm, Fire or Smoke

·         Teachers will pick up grade/attendance book and handbag to take when leaving the classroom

·         Begin orderly evacuation as quickly and quietly as possible

·         Proceed to pre-designated locations outside the campus, paying attention to wind direction

·         Remain in place until instructed to move

·         Be prepared to relocate to a safer area should outside conditions change

Severe Weather/Tornado Cover

·         Students will assume shelter-in-place in a hallway, against lockers or other approved severe-weather areas in the building. 

·         All portable building occupants will be moved inside main building or other designated shelter area before severe weather arrives at the school

Lock Down

·         On-duty teachers are to keep students in place and lock any classroom doors if not already done.  Place students against walls or on the floor.  Make sure no students are visible from windows or hallway.  Turn off the lights.  No one is to leave class for any reason during a lockdown.  If you are not in a classroom, remain in a safe place until notified.  Any students walking in the hall will enter the nearest classroom.

·         Teachers will send communication to predetermined address inside the main office with information regarding missing students, extra students, or any other important information the campus incident command will need. 

·         Locate available student records and prepare to take them with you if evacuation occurs. 

It is critical that our schools remain a safe harbor educationally, socially, and emotionally for our students. Please accept our assurances that we are following approved safety procedures whenever a threat of any kind is received.  Our foremost concern is the safety of your children while at Arlington Heights High School. 

Sincerely,

 Jason S. Oliver, Principal

Arlington Heights High School