Messaging and Communication 14

If the school or district has a web page with information about what each SRP Action means and what the directives are, include a link to that page. Plan on how you will be providing updates if those are needed, and include a link or reference to that site so recipients know where to look.

SAMPLE MESSAGING FOR EACH SRP ACTION

The following sections contain detailed instructions and considerations for each of the Standard Response Protocol Actions. Each section has sample messaging for that specific Action, and when and how it can be used.

FREQUENCY

Not all Actions will require an immediate communication response. For instance, if you anticipate a Hold or Secure taking no longer than 20 minutes, there’s probably no need to alert anyone. If it looks like it will take longer, consider sending something out, since the situation has now become a bigger disruption to the day.

PREPARATION

A tabletop exercise is a start; basically, it’s a brainstorming session. Your Communication Team can talk through possible scenarios and formulate messaging accordingly. Think about what immediate information is necessary, how to follow up, and who they will need to speak with/ follow to receive trusted updates. The team should pre-script some basic messages that may be sent out, with blank spaces for details like time and date. Having these pre-approved and available will aid the team later if they’re under stress or time constraints.

TWO MINDS

There are different messaging philosophies regarding how much information is too much information. In some events, a detailed description of the SRP Action and the steps taken by the school in response to the event are warranted. Guidance for this type of communication can be found under “Messaging to Parents” in the Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter sections. For other events, a more generic message may provide enough information. The goal of the generic message is to inform the broader community that one of the SRP Actions was implemented but that no further action is required on their part. Think of it as a way to put parents, guardians, and others at ease. Alternatively, the generic message can be used immediately following the protocol activation if details are unknown. In that case, a statement that “more information will be sent out via (insert a link to them to click on).”

GENERIC STANDARD RESPONSE PROTOCOL MESSAGE TO PARENTS

Subject: Safety Notification - [School Name] Activated a Standard Response Protocol Dear Parent or Guardian, Today the Standard Response Protocol was activated at [School Name] due to [state the reason(s) that you used the action(s) of the Standard Response Protocol]. The safety and security of your child are our top priority. Learn more about the Standard Response Protocol at iloveuguys.org/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html

Today the Standard Response Protocol was activated at your students school due to criminal activity in the area. Students were not impacted and classes continued as usual. The safety and security of your child are our top priority. Learn more about the Standard Response Protocol at iloveuguys.org