A Catholic, college preparatory high school located in beautiful Sonoma County.

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Emergency Plan

Student safety is our top priority. Therefore, Cardinal Newman actively works to improve our responsiveness to possible emergencies. Our focus is on ensuring the safety of our students and communicating promptly with parents.

In an emergency, parents have several ways to obtain information about their children’s situation and status.

EMAIL: Check your email for communication from the school.

TEXT: Watch for texts alerts from Cardinal Newman HS.  Ensure you have opted in to receive text alerts.

Blackbaud: Check your Blackbaud dashboard.

Standard Response Protocol

What is HOLD?
Wait in our classroom or workspace
Students are trained to:
• Clear the hallways and remain in their area or room until the “All Clear” is announced
• Business as usual

Adults and staff are trained to:
• Close and lock the door
• Account for students and adults
• Business as usual

What is SECURE?
Get Inside. Lock outside doors

Students are trained to:
• Return to inside of building
• Business as usual

Adults and staff are trained to:
• Bring everyone indoors, lock the outside doors
• Increase situational awareness, account for students and adults
•Business as usual

What is LOCKDOWN?
Lock doors, turn off lights, stay out of sight

Students are trained to:
• Move away from sight
• Maintain silence
• Do not open the door

Adults and staff are trained to:
• Recover students from hallway if possible
• Lock the classroom door
• Turn out the lights
• Move away from sight
• Maintain silence
• Do not open the door
• Prepare to evade or defend

What is EVACUATE?
Follow the lead of the instructor, move quickly and quietly to designated area

Students are trained to:
• Leave stuff behind if required (if possible, bring their phone)
• Follow instructions

Adults and staff are trained to:
• Bring roll sheet and Go Bag (unless instructed not to bring anything with them, dependent on reason for evacuation.)
• Lead students to Evacuation location
• Account for students and adults
• Report injuries or problems using Red Card/Green Card method.

What is SHELTER?
“State Hazard and Safety Strategy” Hazards might include:
• Hazmat, Earthquake, Tsunami

Safety Strategies might include:
• Evacuate to shelter area
• Seal the room
• Drop, cover and hold
• Get to high ground

Students are trained in:
• Appropriate Hazards and Safety Strategies

Adults and staff are trained in:
• Appropriate Hazards and Safety Strategies
• Accounting for students and adults
• Report injuries or problems using Red Card/Green Card method.

 

Guidelines

We ask all families to follow these guidelines in times of emergency:

Please do not call the school. During an emergency, telephone and cell phone communications must be open for emergency first responders. 

Please do not drive to school. Traffic congestion can block or delay access for emergency response vehicles. Understand that all faculty, staff, and first responders are focused on student safety, and we will make reunification plans as soon as possible.

In an emergency, the school must know the whereabouts of every person. We will use telephone, text, and email to contact parents. If a reunification process is necessary, please be patient and bring identification. We must note the release of students to their parents, guardians, or an adult listed on the student’s emergency card. We will remain with students until everyone is picked up.

Emergency Preparation

Students, faculty, and staff will practice emergency procedures throughout the year, including evacuation (fire) drills. Our training aims to provide efficient, prompt, and safe procedures for students and staff responding to emergencies.

All classrooms have detailed written emergency procedures. In addition, every classroom has an emergency “red bag,” which contains essential supplies to assist teachers and students during an emergency. The District’s priority is to keep all its students safe in emergencies. Through education, training, practice, and experience, we can achieve our goal of a safe, appropriate and prompt response to any crisis.

Cardinal Newman High School has a comprehensive safety plan that is reviewed and updated annually by March 1.  Parents can view the Comprehensive School Safety Plan at the school office.

Parent Informational Handout