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Safety & Security

The Snoqualmie Valley School District prioritizes the safety and security of all students and staff. Each school in our district has a comprehensive safety plan that addresses preparation, mitigation, response and recovery for a broad range of potential hazards (such as fires, medical emergencies, earthquakes and other crises). These plans are regularly reviewed, and involve drills practiced consistently among our schools.

If you have questions regarding your child’s safety or your school’s emergency plans, please contact your principal. The Snoqualmie Valley School District is committed to maintaining safe and secure environments for all our students.

Learn more about our district's School Emergencies preparation in Policy 3432 and Procedure 3432P.

Please note: To avoid the exploitation of our safety plans by those who may cause harm or damage, we do not make these documents available to the public.

 

Emergency Prevention & Preparedness

  • Each year, our schools practice the following safety drills: Shelter in Place (1x), Lockdown (3x), and Evacuation/Fire Drill (3x), plus an additional Earthquake Drill. 

  • Evacuation procedures and instructions for other emergencies are posted in every classroom and school office for quick reference. 

  • Emergency Drills are also conducted on our school buses annually, along with bus driver safety training.  See more details related to Student Safety Walking, Biking and Riding Buses in Policy 6605 and Procedure 6605P.

  • Our district partners with professional emergency responders to support safety protocols based on best practice.  

Resources

Please verify your family's emergency contacts information in Skyward Family Access. Please contact your school's registrar directly if you need to make updates.

Skyward Family AccessReport A Concern

Four Key Safety Responses

In the event of an emergency at your child’s school, it’s important to be familiar with responses that our District may implement, depending on the circumstances.  One or a combination of these steps may be used as a precaution, as school officials and/or emergency responders investigate if a potential risk exists.

  • LOCKDOWN:  A Lockdown takes place if an internal or external threat is identified at the school. All school doors are locked. Students are confined to classrooms to wait silently with staff members. No entry into or exit from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made. Students will NOT be released during a Lockdown. 

  • SECURE THE BUILDING: Students take refuge inside a school or designated area to protect them from severe weather or other threat outside (such as a bear on the playground).  Normal activities may continue indoors. No entry into or exit from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made. Students will NOT be released during Secure the Building.

  • SHELTER IN PLACE:  Students take refuge inside a school or designated area to protect them from hazardous materials outside (such as a gas leak). Depending on the situation, entry and exit from school may not be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made. Students will NOT be released during Shelter in Place.

  • EVACUATION:  Some building emergencies require students to be relocated to an evacuation assembly area. Students will be released ONLY to parents or guardians who are documented as emergency contacts and who present photo ID (driver’s license, military ID or passport). This procedure is necessary to account for all students.

 

Where to Get Updates During an Emergency

Information regarding school emergencies will be communicated from the Snoqualmie Valley School District via a variety of resources:

  • ParentSquare notifications to all parents/guardians (email, text, app, call-out)  

  • District website: www.svsd410.org – Look for an alert screen or the top headline.

  • District Hotline: Call 425-831-8494 for a recorded message.

Reuniting with your Students

Following an emergency, families will be directed by school or district officials to their child’s specific location. Please refer only to official district communication sources for instructions. 

NOTE:  Students will be released ONLY to parents or guardians who are documented as emergency contacts and who present a picture ID such as a driver’s license, military ID or passport.  To update your contact information in advance of an emergency, contact your school’s office staff.

The reunification process can be time consuming, so parents are urged to be patient. 

How Parents/Guardians Can Help During an Emergency

Be Prepared:  Ensure that your child’s emergency contact information is complete, accurate and current each year.  Be familiar with your schools’ emergency communication procedures.  Each school is committed to providing accurate and timely information in the event of an emergency.

Stay Calm & Await Communication.  Although your first reaction may be to rush to your child’s school, please follow these important tips:

DO:

  • Rely only on official communications from the school district. 

  • Watch for official instructions regarding reunification with your child. (Refer to Where to Get Updates listed above.)

  • Tune into local TV/Radio stations for official news/updates.

  • Bring your photo ID with you, if you need to pick up your child.

DON’T:

  • Do not rush to your child’s school. Your presence could interfere with emergency responders and make traffic worse by blocking their access to/from the campus.  Parents/guardians are also not allowed in a school during a lockdown.  

  • Do not phone your child, teacher or school. Staff and students are discouraged from using cell phone communication for safety reasons. During a lockdown situation, the sound of a call could put your student in danger if there is a risk inside the school. It is also important to keep the school’s lines of communication open for emergency response. Our staff need to focus on your student’s safety, rather than answering calls.

  • Do not contribute to rumors by posting or forwarding unconfirmed information, as misinformation can heighten anxieties during an emergency.