Today, we emailed all OASD families to share information on how the OASD notifies families of emergencies and keeps students and staff safe while they're at school.
OASD Administration received the safety alert messages from the Delafield Police Department this morning, along with all the families in our area. Superintendent Roger Rindo was in contact with the Oconomowoc Police Department (OPD) early this morning to discuss the situation relative to the start of the coming school day.
The OASD enjoys a close working partnership with the Oconomowoc Police Department (OPD). In emergencies, the OPD is constantly in contact with our District leaders to ensure our school community's safety.
After receiving input from OPD, our Administrative Team felt it was safe to conduct school today and, due to its location, take the extra precaution to place Summit Elementary School on a "soft lockdown". A "soft lockdown" means that students and staff move as normal throughout the building but will remain inside for recess or other outdoor activities. We felt this was the best decision because of our current District safety protocols in place for staff and students.
It's important for OASD families to know about the safety precautions in place at all OASD schools to keep students and staff safe. During the school day, we use the following safety measures:
- Doors are locked during school hours.
- Main entrances have two sets of entry doors with a vestibule between them.
- One of the outside doors at the main entrance may be unlocked to allow visitors into the vestibule.
- Security cameras are installed outside our school buildings and inside the vestibule areas. A live-feed of those cameras is displayed on the TV screen in the main office and monitored but office staff.
- A visitor in the vestibule must ring a bell, and the door must be unlocked from the office before a visitor can enter. The visitor then enters the office, not the main school building.
- Office staff either directly view visitors in the vestibule or via the lobby's security camera before they enter the office.
- Visitors must provide a driver's license and register in our online system before they are permitted to enter the building.
- Due to our current COVID-19 precautions, we are not allowing visitors at our schools.
- Staff are required to wear ID badges at all times to help identify them.
- Staff members supervise students at recess and have walkie-talkies to alert staff and students to any potential danger.
- OASD utilizes the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocols in potential safety threat situations, and staff receive annual training in those protocols.
- Staff and students also practice a variety of ALICE drills during the school year, tailored to be appropriate for each age-level.
The OASD is committed to ensuring the safety of our students and staff and providing fast and accurate information in a time of emergency. If an emergency occurs, we utilize email, phone calls, social media, OASD website posts, and work with local media to share information. Additionally, the District implemented text messaging as another option to communicate emergency information with families during the 2019-20 school year.
Will I get text alerts, emails and phone calls during an emergency?
Yes, in a time of emergency, we will contact families in multiple ways to ensure we're reaching everyone. This means that you will receive our emergency messages through:
- During an urgent or emergency situation, we want to send families information as quickly as possible. A text message is the fastest way to reach families. This communication option allows the OASD to immediately send mass text messages to hundreds of families and district staff.
- Please be aware that every cell phone number entered in the Skyward Family Access System will receive a text message in an urgent or emergency situation. This may mean that families will receive messages on multiple phones.
- Please also be aware that if you should opt-out of text messaging at any time, your opt-out will be overridden in the case of a school or district emergency and you will receive text message updates.
- Email message to the parent/guardian email addresses listed in Skyward Family Access.
- A recorded phone message to the parent/guardian phone numbers listed in Skyward Family Access.
- Text message to the parent/guardian phone numbers listed Skyward Family Access.
- You will continue to receive school information and reminders by email and possibly a phone call.
How else does the OASD share emergency information and updates?
During a time of emergency, we will share information and updates in as many ways as possible, to ensure our families and the community have access to the information. In addition to the text, voicemail, and email updates that our families will receive, we will also share information in these locations:
- www.oasd.org/Emergency
- Facebook: @oconomowocschools
- Twitter: @oconschools
- Instagram: oconomowocschools
- With local media organizations
Please follow the OASD on social media, to ensure you receive our urgent or emergency updates.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools!