Joint Safety Statement: SPS, SPD, SFD
Dear Scituate Public Schools (SPS) Families:
We thank you for your continued support & cooperation as we work together to keep our children safe in our schools. Your feedback from the recent shelter-in-place has been valuable as we work together to evolve our strategies to deal with both potential and actual threats.
It is important that families understand that through collaborative efforts SPS and the Scituate Fire and Police departments follow a comprehensive threat assessment protocol to analyze the potential for foreseeable risk. These protocols are nationally established best practices and are conducted in coordination with state and federal law enforcement partners.
We acknowledge that information provided to families from SPS may take longer than social media; however, the information provided through official SPS channels will be verified. Please be aware of the risks of spreading rumors about unconfirmed information.
Following the protocol, last week a team of school administrators and police personnel determined that a “shelter-in-place” was warranted. A shelter-in-place is not a lockdown. When there is an imminent threat, a lockdown will be called. During a lockdown, people remain confined to a room/area with specific procedures to follow regarding locking of doors, closing of windows/shades, seeking cover, etc. due to an imminent threat. During a shelter-in-place, people remain in the same location in order for halls to be clear but continue with normal activities. If a shelter-in-place is called, the team has determined that the safest place for people is within their classrooms and that movements within the building should be restricted while public safety officials address a specific concern. Some common reasons for a shelter in place are:
● Police activity which does not rise to the level of imminent threat, but requires a controlled environment so that authorities can better provide guidance
● A medical incident involving a student/staff member
● External police/fire activity in the area around the school
● Environmental Hazard / Severe Weather
● Other safety concerns – wildlife/animal or a utility failure
It is very important that parents/caregivers do not come to the school to attempt to pick up student(s) during a shelter-in-place or lockdown. It is critical that police and school officials are able to concentrate their attention on assessing any on-going situation without having to manage additional variables.
As soon as information is available to be shared that will not compromise the effectiveness of public safety operations and most importantly the safety of our students, staff, and community; SPS and SPD will share information via formal channels which include our website/app, text, and email.
We ask for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work together as a community to navigate these challenging and concerning situations. Our school and public safety team has a very strong partnership and is dedicated to continuing to provide the highest level of safety and security for our students and staff.
With gratitude,
William Burkhead
SPS Superintendent
Mark Thompson
Scituate Police Department Chief
Mark Donovan
Scituate Fire Department Chief