Bethel School District > Families > School Safety

School Safety

The safety of our students and staff is Bethel School District’s top priority. Effective education cannot take place in an unsafe environment. We use an abundance of caution in emergency situations. Sometimes that cautious approach results in a slowing of information coming to you, but understand that student and staff safety come before communication.

In the event of an emergency, we work closely with the Eugene Police Department, which usually determines what level of detail the district is allowed to share. We will provide the most up-to-date, accurate information as soon as possible.

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Emergency Preparedness

Bethel was the first in Oregon to adopt the ALICE safety protocols district-wide. ALICEAlert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate – focuses on immediate response to emergency situations, effective methods of securing classrooms, clear communications, and empowering options in the event of an armed intruder on campus.

All Bethel staff are trained in ALICE, with three trainings offered each school year. Students are also introduced to the safety procedures with common messaging across all Bethel schools and grade levels.

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Lockdown/Lockout: What to Do

Here is guidance for families if a Bethel school goes into Lockdown or Lockout:

  • A ParentSquare Urgent Alert sharing information about the situation will be sent to all guardians via all modalities – phone, text, email and mobile app.
  • Do not come to school. The doors will be locked and only law enforcement will be allowed inside.
  • Do not call the school during an emergency. Staff rarely have an opportunity to answer incoming calls. An influx of calls to a school can interfere with its ability to follow the safety protocol, potentially putting students’ and staff’s safety at risk.
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Reunification

In the event of a serious school event like an armed intruder, extended power outage, industrial accident or weather incident, the District may need to reunify students with their parents/guardians. This may need to happen at a location other than the school at which the emergency has taken place, depending on the circumstances. 

Bethel School District has created a Reunification Plan. Its goal is to protect students from harm, while reuniting them with their parents/guardians/emergency contacts in the most efficient, calm and compassionate manner possible. The district’s plan is portable and flexible enough that it can be quickly set up in unfamiliar locations.

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What to Expect during a Reunification

Location: The location and time of the Reunification will be shared by the district via ParentSquare and in every other way possible, including the local media.

ID: Parents, Guardians, or Emergency contacts – whomever is picking up the student – must bring legal ID, such as a driver’s license, to the Reunification site.

Check-In: Parents/Guardians/Emergency contacts are directed to the Check-In Area where Greeters provide Reunification Cards and pens. Greeters will ask parents to fill out a Reunification Card, which requires the student’s name, grade, teacher, and parent/guardian information. Spanish-speaking staff will be at each step in the Reunification process. 

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If You See Something, Say Something

We all play a role in keeping our schools safe. If you hear, read or see something, say something to a trusted adult at the school or to law enforcement. We take every threat seriously and if there is any doubt, we err of the side of caution and involve law enforcement. It is everyone’s responsibility as members of this community to report concerns that may jeopardize the safety of our students and staff.

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Definitions

Lockdown: Initiated when there is believed to be a potentially dangerous person on or near campus. Each room in the building is locked and movement between rooms is restricted. Windows are closed and locked, shades are lowered, and lights are turned off. Students are kept away from the doors and windows and out of the sight lines of anyone outside the room. Depending on additional information, those in the building may be prepared to barricade doors or evacuate the building. Students and staff must maintain calm and quiet, waiting for further information, including a message which students can send to their parents. Lockdowns are usually called by the principal or other authority, such as law enforcement. Each staff member has the ability and authority to use the school phones as an intercom to order a Lockout if they see an imminent threat. Students or visitors approaching the school which has been locked down should leave the area immediately.

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Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our District Office: 541.689.3280