October 7, 2024
Dear Parents/Legal Guardians:
Each year, we are required to practice different safety drills. Students have participated in and will continue to practice in the required lockdown, lockout, and fire drills under the direct supervision of our staff. In an effort to be vigilant and safe during a situation that would require us to evacuate the building, Emmet Belknap Intermediate School students and staff will participate in an “off-site” evacuation drill.
On October 10, 2024, we will announce an EVACUATION DRILL over the PA system, indicating the purpose, process and expectations of the drill. We will safely and orderly evacuate the building and walk to our alternate site at the Kenan Center. While there, students will be reminded that this is a DRILL, and what they would need to do in the case of a true emergency.
This entire procedure should last no more than 60 minutes. Please be aware of the following information as it brings a change to our regular dismissal process:
Once the evacuation drill is announced, students will bring their personal belongings (coat, cell phone, backpack, etc.) with them as we transition to the Kenan Center. We will account for all students and then begin our reunification process.
Students who are bus riders will take their regular bus home from the Kenan Center and should arrive home close to their regular time.
Students who are parent pick-up will need to be picked up from the Kenan Center around their normal time. As an additional safety precaution, parents should plan on providing photo ID to pick up their child as this is an “off-site” location. We will be instituting our reunification process and will refer to our eschool data system to ensure we have a “checks and balance” system in place. Your patience and cooperation during this time is greatly appreciated.
Students who are normally walkers will return to EBIS, supervised by staff, and be dismissed from the school around the regular dismissal time.
This drill will provide us an opportunity to practice our process and make adjustments as necessary for future drills and/or in the event of a true emergency. Should you have any questions and/or concerns, feel free to contact me at (716) 478-4550.
Sincerely,
Jennifer T. Gilson
Principal