District Safety and Cancellations
 
10302009_13935_0.pngCommunication with Parents
Our school district has the highest concern for student safety. We have a thorough emergency response plan covering most natural and other emergencies. If a situation arises that affects the normal school day, we will contact you by phone using our new emergency/ school notification system – AlertNow. In addition, we will also contact the major television stations (KWQC, WQAD, WHBF, and KLJB) and radio stations.

View any current District cancellations on the District main page
Information about school specific postponements will be posted on the school's main page.

AlertNow helps schools communicate with parents more effectively by providing tools that customize message content by group, message type or contact device (telephone, text and e-mail) almost instantaneously.

Parents will receive two different types of messages from schools:

• Routine notifications do not directly affect the safety of students, staff or parents; these calls include upcoming events, delayed school bus routes and absenteeism. These messages display the school’s phone number on caller ID.

• Emergency notifications are used during critical incidents where a child, staff member or parent’s safety is in immediate jeopardy. These calls include lockdowns, evacuations and relocations. Emergency messages display “411” on caller ID so parents recognize

2152011_30733_1.jpgSchool Closing
Inclement weather is the most typical school emergency that results in school cancellation. If school is cancelled the decision will be made prior to 6 a.m.

Early Dismissal
In some emergencies, such as inclement weather, we may deem it prudent to send students home early. The district has made the commitment to make any early dismissal decisions by 10 a.m.  If there is a special situation, your child’s school or the district may contact you to pick up your child early. Please make sure you provide your school office with up-to-date information so we can reach you if necessary.

Lock Down
If school safety is a potential threat, the school may lock down the building(s) and keep all children inside, until the end of the school day or when they can be safely released.

Emergency Evacuation Sites
If a school needs to be evacuated due to fire or other concerns, we have a variety of options. Depending on the type of crisis situation, the administration would determine if students and staff would be safest in their building, outside their building, or at one of our evacuation sites. If students are evacuated, parents would be contacted and asked to pick up their child at the evacuation site. Children will only be signed out to their parent or someone authorized by their parent.

U.S. or Local Crisis
If there is a U.S. or local crisis, the district will work with law enforcement and the Scott County Emergency Management Association to determine what response from schools is appropriate for the safety of students and staff.

Again, the safety of our students and staff are a paramount concern. You play an essential role in our efforts and in the response in all emergencies. It’s important for you to be aware of the general safety procedures and to assist our staff in keeping our children safe. The successful delivery of information is also dependent upon accurate contact information for each student and staff member, so please make certain that your child’s school has your most current phone numbers. If your information changes during the year, please notify your child’s school immediately.

If you wish to discuss specific concerns or to ask questions, call the Superintendent's office (563/359-3681) or your school principal.



Last Modified: Feb 15, 2011
 

Bettendorf Community School District - 800 23rd St., Bettendorf, IA 52722 - 563/359-3681
Website questions or comments - e-mail cmiller@bettendorf.k12.ia.us