Salmon River Reviews Procedures After Poorly Executed Lockdown

Salmon River Central School went into a ‘lockdown mode’ on Wednesday, June 7, 2017. This event lead to confusion among some parents and their children. Invariably, it also brought about reactions of fear for their child’s safety. Many also questioned what steps were taken in response to and leading up to the lockdown.

In a letter to all parents and guardians, the district’s Superintendent, Dr. Harper explained what had happened leading up to and during the school’s lockdown. He also explained and apologized for not follow the district’s set protocol and procedures during a lockdown.

His letter stated, “… an announcement using the PA system was made rather than knocking on each classroom door, which is the protocol indicated on emergency procedure placards in each classroom. I apologize for the confusion that this created for staff, who were diligently standing guard in their classrooms.”

According to Dr. Harper, the State Police checked each student after they disembarked from their buses. Many parents and guardians questioned the timing of the lockdown and why students were allowed to enter the school. As stated in his letter, “students continued to the cafeteria to eat breakfast. Then proceeded to their classrooms, where lockdown procedures were put in place.”

Dr. Harper wants to ensure steps are being taken to improve the school’s protocol and procedures during these unfortunate events in the future, stating in his letter, “The events that transpired this week revealed that serious work must be done to tighten the protocols and procedures in place for emergency situations. Immediately following Wednesday’s events, I scheduled a training session for June 20, 2017 with the New York State Police to ensure that as a District, we are fully prepared for emergency events in the future. The police will also review our strategies and work with us to tighten our procedures and alleviate holes in communication. We are beginning the review of all policies and procedures with a Safety Committee meeting on Friday, June 9, 2017.”

He went on to thank all staff during this difficult time, “I commend all staff for their efforts in keeping our students safe. They performed their duties in a calm and cooperative manner that ensured the safety and security of our students.”

The letter also provided a website for parents and guardians to refer to when talking to their children about such stressful events.

Dr. Harper’s letter can be found on the Salmon River District’s website at http://www.srk12.org/message-to-parents-regarding-wednesdays-incident/

Dr. Harper also encouraged anyone with questions or concerns in regards to call him at 528 358 6600, extension 8.