School Safety

iscrs logo - a standardized approach to school safety

Each school in West Ada School District has an Emergency Response Plan that has been carefully developed and addresses a multitude of emergency situations including an active shooter. In addition, all West Ada School District schools conduct lockdown drills in conjunction with local law enforcement two times each school year. If there is an emergency at your child’s school, your cooperation is necessary to help us respond effectively to such situations. 

In the event of an emergency, please help us by doing the following:

  • Do not call and do not go to the school.

    • In an emergency, onsite staff are focused solely on getting everyone to a safe location. Showing up to the site can create unnecessary traffic, preventing emergency vehicles from responding quickly. You could also put yourself or others in danger.

    • If you get a call or text from your student, help them remain calm. Remind your student that school staff know what to do in an emergency situation, and will work to keep everyone safe.

    • Please know we will communicate with parents/guardians about reunifying you with your child and that this reunification site may not be at the school.

  • Check the West Ada School District homepage at www.westada.org

    • We will provide credible, accurate and useful information to the public as soon as possible. Please be aware that Information received from sources other than the school administrator or the West Ada School District may be inaccurate.

    • Expect to see our posts updated as necessary. We will also provide updates to local news media, but emergency situations can change rapidly. Typically, multiple agencies are involved, so communication is coordinated through the “lead agency,” which may cause a delay in notification.

  • Sign-Up for Emergency Text Messaging:

    • We will use our emergency text notification system to contact parents and guardians. Please make sure your emergency contact information in PowerSchool is always up to date. If you have previously opted out of receiving text messages and wish to receive them again, please respond to a West Ada text or send the message SUBSCRIBE WESTADA to 23177. 

  • Reunification Site: 

    • An alternative site other than the school where school administrators will check-out students to the child’s parent/guardian. Students will only be released to authorized parents/guardians with proper identification (e.g. driver’s license, state identification, etc.)

Idaho Standard Command Responses for Schools

Preparedness:

Each school prepares for emergencies through planning and regular drills that reinforce how a school will react in the case of an emergency.
The school administrator, working in conjunction with the District Service Center, puts in place site-specific plans for their school.

  • Emergency plans in West Ada School District include the following:

    • Fire safety procedures

    • Evacuation locations

    • Coordination with law enforcement

    • Practice drill schedules

    • Incident command planning

    • Communication planning

    • Student and parent re-unification plans

    • Medical response contacts

    • Fire response contacts

Evacuation - Threat Makes It Unsafe To Remain In The Building

  • Often referred to as “fire drill,” the purpose of an evacuation is removing people from dangerous situations inside a building. This may include, but is not limited to, fire, smoke or a gas leak.

Reverse Evacuation - Threat Makes It Unsafe To Remain Outside The Building

  • A reverse evacuation removes people from dangerous situations outside of a building. This may include, but is not limited to, danger on the playground, severe weather conditions or law enforcement activity.

Hall Check - Best Interest Of Students And Staff To Remain In A Secured Classroom

  • A hall check provides security for students and staff from lower-level threats when continuing the educational process is desirable. This may include, but is not limited to, a disruptive person on campus, unknown person on campus or a medical issue.

Lockdown - Threat Makes It Unsafe To Remain Unsecured In Or Out Of Building

  • A lockdown is initiated when a threat is inside or entering the building. A lockdown secures the building and safely shelters people inside of the building. Business and classroom activities cease.

All West Ada School District staff members, parents, students, and community members are encouraged to report anything they see, hear or are made aware of that may impact a school or school program.

If you see or hear something, say something, call 9-1-1.

Please discuss these matters with your immediate family.  Planning ahead will help alleviate concern during emergencies.

Thank you in advance for following these steps to ensure our students, staff members, and the public remain safe and secure.