District Safety Plan

1.1 Introduction

The purpose of this plan is to maximize the safety of every student, staff member and visitor of the Canandaigua City School District. This includes the District’s campus, buildings, motor vehicle fleet and programs. In conjunction with each school’s Building Level Emergency Response Plan, it is intended to offer guidance and direction to District personnel in a variety of emergency situations.

 

School safety is the job of the entire school community. This effort requires leadership and coordination by school administration, and involvement and participation from all sectors of the school community. Planning, conducting drills and participating in exercises with law enforcement, fire, emergency officials and other members of the school community ensures a comprehensive, unified approach to school emergency response planning. Building relationships and community engagement are vital to building a safer school community

1.2 Planning Assumptions and Limitations

Stating the planning assumptions allows the school to deviate from the plan if certain assumptions prove not to be true during operations. The Building Level Emergency Response Plan (BLERP) is established under the following assumptions:

• The school community will continue to be exposed and subject to threats/hazards and vulnerabilities.
• A major disaster could occur at any time and at any place. In many cases dissemination of warning to the public and implementation of increased readiness measures may be possible; however, most emergency situations occur with little or no warning.
• A single site incident could occur at any time without warning and the employees of the school affected cannot and should not, wait for direction from local response agencies. Action is required immediately to save lives and protect school property.
• There may be a number of injuries of varying degrees of seriousness to faculty, staff, and/or students. Rapid and appropriate response can reduce the number and severity of injuries.
• Outside assistance from local fire, law enforcement and emergency services will be available in most serious incidents. Because it takes time to request and dispatch external assistance, it is essential for the school to be prepared to carry out the initial incident response until emergency responders arrive at the incident scene.
• Actions taken before an incident can stop or reduce incident-related losses.

Maintaining the BLERP and providing frequent opportunities for training and exercising the plan for stakeholders (staff, students, parents/guardians, first responders, etc.) can improve the school’s readiness to respond to incidents.

1.3 Dissemination

All staff will receive a copy of the Building Level Emergency Response Plan within the first three (3) days of the academic school year (or at time of hire) and will be trained in its application during the District Emergency Drill Day.

Parents can access the District-Wide Safety Plan on the District website at Canandaigua Schools and at the District Office.

The District-Wide Safety Plan and each Building-Level Emergency Response Plan was shared with Canandaigua Police Department, Ontario County Sheriff’s Department, and the New York State Police.

Response Agency Access to Building and District Plans 

Blueprints and schematics are available through the Director of Facilities & Operations. Large-print copies have been provided to County and Local Police, Fire Department and County Emergency Planning Agency. District Office administrators have copies of all floor plans.

1.4 Summary of Laws

New York State Education law §2801-a (Project SAVE) and Commissioner’s regulation 155.17 set standards for District-Wide Safety Plans. Both laws set minimum requirements of a District-Wide Safety Plan and Building Level Emergency Response Plans which include policies and procedures relating to responding to certain threats. These plans were designed to prevent or minimize the effects of emergencies and to facilitate the coordination of schools and school districts with local and county resources in the event of such emergencies.

1.5 Summary of Canandaigua City School District

• District Office: 143 North Pearl Street, Canandaigua
• Primary – Elementary School: 90 West Gibson Street, Canandaigua
• Middle School: 215 Granger Street, Canandaigua
• Academy: 435 East Street, Canandaigua
• Operations Center: 550 Airport Road, Canandaigua
• Canandaigua Academic and Career Center: 5262 Parkside Drive, Canandaigua
• Red House Tutoring Center: 2700 East Street, Canandaigua

 

2.1 Prevention and Intervention Strategies

The primary components of District prevention strategies CR §155.17(c)(1)(iii) are as follows:

1. There exists a District and state-wide commitment to comprehensive character education. The District Character Traits are: Respect leads to Civility, Responsibility leads to Accountability, Honesty leads to Integrity, Kindness leads to Compassion, Effort leads to Perseverance, and Healthy Choices lead to Healthy Living. According to the Dignity For All Students Act, or DASA, “it is the policy of the state to afford all students in public schools and environment free of discrimination and harassment.” Decreasing and eliminating incidents of bullying or any behavior that is inconsistent with the school’s educational mission is a major initiative of the District Character Education Committee.

2. Each Building Character Education Team, under the supervision of the principal, is charged with developing an initiative specifically aimed at identifying and reducing bullying. Emphasis should be given to creating a school-community culture in which bullying is not tolerated.

3. Building-level specialists (counselors, school psychologists, social workers, prevention specialists, etc.) facilitate early identification of inappropriate behavior. There is a commitment to a parent/school partnership in all phases of school operations.

4. Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes conducts personal safety lessons with UPK – 6 students.

5. The Canandaigua City Fire Department conducts safety lessons at the Primary and Elementary School. General fire safety lessons are presented to the Primary Students and at home fire safety planning is presented to third grade students.

6. Anger Management programs at the Academy and Middle School have been established. Students who have had difficulty managing their anger may attend sessions to review triggers and reducers. This program is ongoing based on need.

7. Above the Influence is a program at the Middle School. The goal is to help teens stand up to negative pressures, or influences, and to make healthy, positive choices.

8. Sources of Strength is a program at the Academy. It is a best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse.

9. GSA is a school club that meets under the guidance of a school advisor intended to provide a safe and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) with the goal of educating students and staff of the District on all types of diversity with the hope of teaching tolerance for all differences and creating a safer school environment.

10. The District participates in the Safe School Helpline 1-800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359 (www.safeschoolshelpline), an anonymous tip line where students, parents, staff and faculty can anonymously report information to school administration. This service is reviewed with students and faculty during assemblies and staff meetings each year.

11. District-wide support services including family services, psychological services, and counseling services are available.

12. Training for select staff, in student conduct issues including de-escalation skills and procedural issues are conducted based on perceived need during Superintendent’s Conference Days, monthly faculty/staff meetings, and through GCN (Global Compliance Network) online tutorials.

13. The District has a comprehensive drug, alcohol, and violence prevention program under the leadership of a Prevention Specialist at the Academy and Middle School. The Prevention Specialist collaborates with community resources to reduce high-risk behaviors.

14. Behavior Intervention Team is a multidisciplinary, multiagency team that meets regularly to assess whether certain exhibited behaviors or actions need intervention or other support. The building and district team reviews risk-relevant data and uses tools and protocols to assess and maintain line-of-sight on subjects of concerns.

The primary components of this intervention strategy are as follows:

• Proactive, frequent parental contact.
• Multiple referral options.
• Progressive, reasonable consequences for violation of the school code.
• Staff training in student intervention issues.
• Appropriate administrative support levels.
• Cooperative working relationships with outside agencies including the criminal. justice system, social services, community agencies, BOCES and other Districts.
• Cooperative working relationship with the health care community (Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, or C.P.E.P., local physicians).

15. The Alco-Sensor is an instrument that may be utilized by trained Canandaigua City School District staff members to ensure the health and safety of all students. The Alco- Sensor is a pocket-sized breath alcohol tester that offers a simple method of determining approximate blood alcohol levels. Use of the Alco-Sensor is intended to support the district’s Code of Conduct and District Safety Plan as required through the SAVE legislation. The use of the device will assist in enhancing the school environment and maintaining school discipline.

16. Each school building is staffed with a School Resource Officer. The position of School Resource Officer is the result of the Municipal Cooperation Agreement between the city of Canandaigua and the Canandaigua City School District.

17. An annual Mock Car Crash Demonstration and Prevention Session is conducted in the spring for seniors. Community partners from many agencies collaborate with high school staff to create a meaningful learning experience.

18. Workplace Violence Prevention Program provides information to all employees about preventing and responding to incidents of workplace violence or threats of violence in accordance with the Workplace Violence Prevention Law and Regulation. 

The goals of this program are:

• To reduce the probability of threats or acts of violence in the workplace, and
• To ensure that any incident, complaint, or report of violence is taken seriously and dealt with appropriately and as expeditiously as possible.

This program outlines the major components of Canandaigua City School District’s effort to meet these goals. At the core of this Workplace Violence Prevention Program is the District’s commitment to work with employees to maintain a work environment free from violence and other disruptive behavior to the greatest degree possible.

Canandaigua City School District will not tolerate violence in the workplace. All incidents, complaints, and/ or reports of violence and threats of violence, will be taken seriously because the District is committed to providing its employees with a reasonably safe and secure work environment. 

19. Maximum Temperature in School Buildings

• Extreme Heat Condition: An extreme heat condition day is defined as a day when the occupiable educational and support services spaces (excluding kitchens) are 82 degrees or higher as measured three feet from the floor in a shaded area near the center of the room.
  • Required actions to relieve heat-related discomfort during an extreme heat condition day may include, but are not limited to, turning off the overhead lights, pulling down shades or blinds, turning on fans, opening classroom doors and windows to increase circulation, turning off unused electronics that produce heat, and providing water breaks.
  • Indoor spaces should be evacuated where practicable once the temperature reaches 88 degrees.

2.2 Training, Drills, and Exercises

Training

The Canandaigua Police Department shall provide the necessary training considered by the CPD as needed to maintain the skills and knowledge of the SRO in his capacity as a Police Officer. Scheduling of training and/or conferences during the school year shall be coordinated between the school administration and the police supervisor prior to attendance by the SRO at training.

Procedures for Annual Safety Traning for Staff and Students

The District understands the importance of training, drills, and exercises in being prepared to deal with an incident. To ensure that school personnel and community responders are aware of their responsibilities under the District-Wide Safety Plan and Building Level Emergency Plan, the following training and exercise actions should occur.

The District submits certification to the NYSED that all district and school staff have undergone annual training components on violence prevention and mental health. New employees hired after the start of the school year receive training within 30 days of hire. All other school staff receive annual training by September 15.

All school staff, students, and others deemed appropriate by the school will receive training during the school year to better prepare them for an incident.

• Roles and Responsibilities – Deliver at start of school year
• Annual training
  • Review Building Level Emergency Response Plan with staff
  • Conduct full staff briefings on roles to perform during an emergency
  • Ensure all staff have been briefed in the communications and notifications requirements set forth in the BLERP
  • Conduct student briefings on roles they perform during an emergency

Drills & Exercises

The purpose of drills is to practice staff and student actions during an emergency. At the time that drills are conducted, students and staff shall be informed it is a drill. As practically as possible, parents, guardians, staff and students will be notified one week in advance of all drills. Drills shall be conducted in a trauma-informed, developmentally, and age-appropriate manner.

Each school will conduct trauma informed drills that explicitly avoid tactics in training or drills that may introduce or activate trauma, such as the use of props, actors, simulations, or other tactics intended to mimic a school shooting, incident of violence, or other emergency, or inclusion of developmentally or age-inappropriate content. Drills may inadvertently prompt a negative emotion or psychological response in staff or students because of previous exposure(s) to trauma.

Evacuation and Lockdown drills shall be conducted with students at least twelve times in each school year, eight of which required drills shall be held between September 1 and December 31 of each such year. Eight of all such drills shall be evacuation drills, four of which shall be through the use of the fire escapes on buildings where fire escapes are provided or through the use of identified secondary means of egress, such as through different corridors, hallways, stairways, and exit doors. Four of all such required drills shall be lock-down drills. Drills shall be conducted on different days of the week and at different times of the school day. Students shall be instructed in the procedure to be followed in the event that a fire occurs during the lunch period or assembly, provided, however, that such additional instruction may be waived where a drill is held during the regular school lunch period or assembly.

One Emergency Dismissal drill shall be conducted to test emergency response procedures that require early dismissal, at a time not to occur more than 15 minutes earlier than the normal dismissal time.

Parents, guardians, staff and students will be notified through a Parent Square message at least one week in advance of the Emergency Dismissal drill.

Bus drivers are scheduled to speak in every Primary and Elementary School classroom concerning safety and proper conduct procedures for the students on the buses.

“Tabletop Disaster Drills” can be conducted with State, County and Local emergency response agencies. These drills may involve a thorough critique of the entire District Safety Plan as well as planned responses by emergency response agencies. In addition, a review of potential emergency sites will be conducted throughout the year involving the District and the community. Upon completion of the drill, a review of the exercise will be conducted. Revisions to BLERP and District-Wide Safety Plans will be completed as needed.

Building Health and Safety Committees will conduct an annual review of their BLERP. In addition, they will evaluate building security and access procedures. Policies and procedures will be reviewed with receptionists at each facility annually.

District Health and Safety Committee will conduct an annual review of the District-Wide Safety Plan. In addition, they will evaluate District-wide building security and access procedures.

District-wide AED training drills will be completed for each building twice a year (October and February). In addition, training sessions for basic certification in CPR and AED’s will be scheduled throughout the school year. Bi-annual (2 year) re-certifications will be scheduled as required.

AED and Naloxone Protocol

AED machines are located in all school and district occupied buildings. A map of locations is contained in the BLERP.

AED monthly inspections are conducted by each school building nurses office. The checklist is located in the appropriate nurses’ offices. The Primary nurses inspect at District Office. The middle school nurses inspect at the Red House. The Academy nurses inspect at the Operations Center and the Canandaigua Academic and Career Center (CACC). The monthly inspections for the AED machines dedicated to the athletic department are conducted by the athletic office. The checklist for these will be stored in the Athletic Office.

The District participates in an Opioid Overdose Prevention program provided by Ontario County Public Health. Naloxone kits are placed with each AED machine. Any remaining stock is located in the school nurse’s office. Each school nurse is trained pursuant to section 3309 of Public Health Law. Monthly inspections are performed by nurses and athletic office.

Epi-Pen Public Access

New York State legislation Requires that functional epinephrine auto-injector devices be made available in places of public assembly with an occupancy capacity of at least one thousand people and that at least one employee or volunteer of such place of public assembly be trained in its proper operation and use and be present at each facility function.

• EPI-Pens have been placed in the AED case located near the nurses offices in each school and the AED case located outside the athletic office.

Special Traning Procedures Regarding Bus Transportation

A school bus driver’s first priority is the safety of the children on the bus. Bus drivers conduct three (3) New York State mandated drills during the school year, the first being held in the first week of school.  The reason and importance of the drills are explained to the students at the beginning of each drill.

Together with the teacher, drivers conduct one in-classroom session for grades K through 5 focusing on proper bus behavior, making good decisions, showing respect for the bus driver and other students, proper procedures for entering and exiting the bus, and crossing the road at school and at home. This bus safety lesson will occur during National Transportation Safety Week.

Bus drivers are required to attend a two-hour refresher course twice during the year covering a variety of topics such as: bullying, dealing with unruly students, teaching respect and healthy lifestyles, administering first aid and CPR, and handling emergency procedures.

Procedures for Review and Conduct of Drills to Test Components of the Plan

Each year, the District will conduct at least one (1) test of the emergency response procedures for each student-occupied facility. Each year a review, involving emergency response agencies, will be conducted to evaluate the various aspects of the District-Wide Safety Plan and emergency procedures outlined therein. All tests will be conducted in cooperation with local and county emergency management officials to the extent possible. A review of potential emergencies and the response by the emergency agencies, with emphasis on existing and potential hazards that affect the entire school District, will be conducted.

2.3 Implementation of School Security

Visitor Access

All entrances to the District buildings are locked during normal business hours. The building receptionist at each main entrance will greet persons entering, identify them, scan the visitor’s identification into the Raptor system, have them sign in on a visitor’s log and issue a visitor’s pass. The receptionist then notifies the individual to be seen and directs the visitor to the correct location, as appropriate.

District staff and faculty are issued photo identification badges that provide entry to rooms and restrict entry to the buildings during other than normal hours. Photo identification is required to be worn at all times unless it interferes with teaching of students. Building principals will enforce this provision. Individuals found without a District identification badge or a visitor’s badge will be asked for identification, questioned as to their purpose, and taken to the main office.

Video Surveillance

The District security system constantly monitors access to the facilities during other than normal hours and denies access to unauthorized individuals. Cameras located inside and outside of District buildings are recording daily.

Remote Lockdown Capabilities

Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Director of Facilities and Operations can lock down all inside and outside doors through the District security system. All Building Principals can lock down all inside and outside doors with badge access.

2.4 Vital Educational Agency Information

Canandaigua City School District maintains certain information about each school building within the District including, but not limited to: school populations, transportation need and emergency telephone numbers of key personnel. In addition, similar information on other district departments as well as the assistance that those departments could provide in the event of an emergency is also maintained at the District level. A list of data and contacts will be updated and made available to key personnel (including all Principals) but is not available to the general public.

2.5 Early Detection and Violent Behaviros

• Building Emergency Response Teams, Post Incident Response Teams, and Behavior Intervention Team will be introduced at the first faculty meeting of each year. Current procedures for referring students will be outlined.
• Building counselors shall establish referral procedures.
• All students shall be encouraged to “tell an adult” about any potential act of violence.
• Students will be encouraged to utilize the Safe Schools Help Line
  • 1-800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359
  • 1-800-418-6423 ext. 359
  • safeschoolshelpline

2.6 Hazard Identification

The list of sites of potential emergencies include all school buildings, playground areas, properties adjacent to schools, on and off-site athletic fields, buses and off-site field trip locations. These hazards, and how to handle each issue, will be documented in each BLERP.

Responding to Implied or Direct Threats by Students, Staff, and Visitors

All threats of violence against any person or property are considered serious. Such threats shall be immediately reported to a supervisor or administrator, who shall immediately contact the SRO who will lead an investigation. The very act of a threat shall be cause for discipline against a student or staff member and immediate removal of a visitor. All threats of violence will be reviewed by the Behavior Intervention Team. Violators will be subject to criminal prosecution upon consultation with District administrators, police investigators, and the District Attorney’s office.

A threat of imminent violence will result in immediate removal from school facilities. Assistance from law enforcement officials may be sought.

2.7 Emergency Service Organizations and Local Government Agency

Canandaigua City School District has established collaborative relationships with vital local and state organizations to maximize resources. School safety is the job of the entire school community. This effort requires leadership and coordination by school administration, and involvement and participation from all sectors of the school community. Planning, conducting drills and participating in exercises with law enforcement, fire, emergency officials and other members of the school community ensures a comprehensive, unified approach to school emergency response planning. Building and maintaining relationships and community engagement are vital to building a safer school community. CR §155.17(c)(1)(v)

Canandaigua City Policy- Non-Emergency 396-5035- Emergency 911 

Ontario County Sheriff- Non-Emergency 394-4560- Emergency 911

NY State Police- Non-Emergency 398-3200- Emergency 398-4100

Canandaigua Fire Deparetment- Non-Emergency 394-3434- Emergency 911

Canandaigua Emergency Squad- Non-Emergency 394-5860- Emergency 911

Canandaigua City Manager- 396-5000

Canandaigua DPW- 396-5060

Ontario County Fire Coordinator- 396-4310

Ontario County Public Health- 396-4343

Ontario County Probation- 396-4222

2.8 School Resource Officers (SROs)

The position of School Resource Officer is the result of the Municipal Cooperation Agreement between the city of Canandaigua and the Canandaigua City School District

The SROs shall be sworn City Police Officers employed by the City.

Day-to-day responsibilities:

• The SRO shall act as educator, counselor, and police officer.
• The SRO shall coordinate all his/her activities with the principal and will seek advice, guidance, and permission from the school administration prior to enacting any program within the school.
• When appropriate and authorized by the Police Supervisor, the SRO may keep the school Principal and Superintendent of School informed of the nature of an investigation of any alleged criminal activities involving students, employees, teachers, or third parties that have allegedly occurred on school grounds.
• Investigations involving possible infractions of the District’s Code of Conduct and the imposition of discipline are the responsibility of the school and district administration. While the SRO may act as a resource to school administration during an investigation, the SRO may not directly question students or assign discipline. The roles of the SRO are listed in the contract between the Canandaigua Police Department and Canandaigua City School District.
• Per NYS Education Department Guideline 155.17, Canandaigua City School District has an MOU with the police department stating that the police department delegates school discipline to CCSD.
• School Officials may conduct searches of student’s property and person as permitted by New York State Law. The SRO should not become involved in administrative searches unless specifically requested by the school to provide security, protection or for the handling of contraband.
• Administrative searches must be at the direction and control of the school principal. At no time shall the SRO request that an administrative search be conducted for law enforcement purposes of have school staff act as their agent.

3.1 Chief Emergency Officer

Each school year, Canandaigua City School District appoints a Chief Emergency Officer. The designated Chief Emergency Officer is responsible for:

• Each school year, Canandaigua City School District appoints a Chief Emergency Officer. The designated Chief Emergency Officer is responsible for:

• coordination of the communication between school staff, law enforcement, and other first responders;

• lead the efforts of the district-wide school safety team in the completion and yearly update of the District-Wide School Safety Plan and the coordination of the District-Wide plan with the Building Level Emergency Response Plans;

• ensure staff understanding of the District–Wide School Safety Plan;

• ensure the completion and yearly update of Building Level Emergency Response Plans for each school building;

• assist in the selection of security related technology and development of procedures for the use of such technology;

• coordinate appropriate safety, security, and emergency training for district and school staff, including required training in the emergency response plan;

• ensure the conduct of required evacuation and lock-down drills in all district buildings as required by Education Law section 807; and

• ensure the completion and yearly update of Building Level Emergency Response Plans by the dates designated by the commissioner.

Name: Brian Nolan, Assistant Superintendent for Persoonel 

Email: nolanb@canandaiguaschools.org

Phone number: 585-396-3720

3.4 Central Office Management Team

The Central Office Management Team includes the Superintendent and all Assistant Superintendents. This group may be activated to provide assistance to any building in need.

3.5 Command Post

During an emergency, the Superintendent or Chief Emergency Officer may activate the Emergency Operations Group when necessary, and they will meet at a designated location. In addition to the Emergency Operations Group, the Superintendent may summon extended Cabinet members and resources to report to this location. This designated location will be referred to as the Command Post although the exact location may vary depending on the type and extend of the event.

General Response Actions for Emergencies

Subsequent sections of this District-Wide School Safety Plan outline specific response actions for individual emergency situations. If an emergency situation occurs at the building-level, it is the responsibility of each and every District employee to take those actions which are geared toward preserving the health and safety of all students, staff and visitors. Specific detailed responses are listed in each individual BLERP.

4.1 Definitions

Shelter or Shelter in Place means keeping students in school buildings and providing them with shelter when it is deemed safer for students to remain inside rather than to return home or be evacuated.

Hold or Hold-in-Place means to restrict movement of students and staff within the building while dealing with short term emergencies.

Evacuation means moving students for their protection from a school building to a predetermined location in response to an emergency. This includes Fire Drills.

Secure Lockout means when students and staff remain inside locked and secured school buildings during incidents that pose an imminent concern outside the school.

Lock-down means to immediately clear the hallways, lock and/or barricade doors, hide from view, and remain silent while readying a plan of evacuation as a last resort. Lock-down will only end upon physical release from the room or secured area by law enforcement. A lock-down is initiated during incidents that pose an immediate threat of violence in or around the schools.

4.2 Concept of Operatins

The overall strategy of a District-Wide Emergency Response Plan and BLERPs is to execute effective and timely decisions and actions that prevent harm, protect lives and property, mitigate damages, restore order and aid recovery. These plans are based upon the concept that the incident management functions that must be performed by the school staff generally parallel some of their daily routine functions. To the extent possible, the same personnel and material resources used for daily activities will be employed during incidents. Because personnel and equipment resources are limited, some routine functions that do not contribute directly to the incident may be suspended. The personnel, equipment, and supplies that would typically be required from those routine functions will be redirected to accomplish assigned incident management tasks.

4.3 Implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS)

The Incident Command System (ICS) will be used to manage all incidents and major planned events/drills. The Incident Commander at the school will be delegated the authority to direct all incident activities within the school’s jurisdiction. The Incident Commander will establish an Incident Command Post (ICP) and provide an assessment of the situation to the emergency responders, identify incident management resources required and direct the on-scene incident management activities from the ICP. If no Incident Commander is present at the onset of the incident, the most qualified individual will assume command until relieved by a more qualified Incident Commander. 8 NYCRR Section 155.17 (e)(2)(v) requires a definition of a chain of command consistent with the Incident Command System.

4.4 Initial Response

School personnel are likely to be the first on the scene of an incident in a school setting. Staff and faculty are expected to respond as appropriate and notify the Principal, or designee until command is transferred to someone more qualified and/or to an emergency response agency with legal authority to assume responsibility (Police, Fire or EMS dependent upon the nature of the incident). Staff will seek guidance and direction from the school district and emergency responders.

Any staff person or faculty in a building that sees or is aware of an emergency shall activate the BLERP.

4.5 Organization and Assignment of Responsibilities

The Incident Commander is not able to manage all of the aspects associated with an incident without assistance. The school relies on other key school personnel to perform tasks that will ensure the safety of students and staff during a crisis or incident. The Incident Command System (ICS) uses a team approach to manage incidents. It is difficult to form a team while a crisis or incident is unfolding. Roles should be pre-assigned based on training and qualifications. Each staff member and volunteer must be familiar with his or her role and responsibilities before an incident occurs. The Building Level Emergency Response Team will be used to delegate these tasks.

4.6 Direction, Control and Coordination

Coordination with Responders

In the event of an incident involving outside agencies, a transfer of command from the school Incident Commander to a responding agency will occur when the agency arrives on the scene.

User of Resources

The school will use its own resources and equipment to respond to incidents until emergency responders arrive. It will be the responsibility of the Emergency Operations Group and the Central Office Management Team to help secure these resources.

4.7 Administration, Finance, and Logistics

Agreements and Contracts

If school resources prove to be inadequate during an incident, the district will request assistance from local emergency agencies, other agencies and industry in accordance with existing relationships and agreements. Such assistance includes equipment, supplies and/or personnel. All agreements are entered into by authorized district officials.

4.8 Communication During Emergencies

The school will contact and maintain communications with parents, the media and emergency responders during an incident. The Superintendent, Chief Emergency Officer, or Director of Communications and Advisement will be the only individuals authorized to coordinate the release of information to ensure information is consistent, accurate, and timely. Communication procedures are detailed further in the BLERP. CR §155.17(c)(1)(ix)

In the event of a pending emergency, the following means of communication may be used in order to disseminate pertinent information:

• Telephone, fax, e-mail, local media, NOAA weather radio, Emergency Alert System (EAS), ParentSquare, District website.

 

4.9 Multi-Hazard Response

There are many variables that could impact the manner in which the Building Level Emergency Response Team responds to a particular occurrence. These variables could include but are not limited to: time of year, time of day, weather, age of student(s) involved, location of student(s), anticipated delay from emergency responders, availability of support personnel and availability of transportation. Therefore, it is not practical to try to map out the steps to take for every conceivable scenario. It is more practical to focus on just a few critical decisions that need to be made in every emergency pursuant to our primary goal of preventing the loss of life and injury of students and school staff.

 

The building Principal or their designee is designated as the Incident Commander of their school during a crisis situation until relieved by a higher authority. The Principal or designee will provide leadership, organize activities and disseminate information with the assistance of the COMT or Chief Emergency Officer.

 

In most instances where this level of school response is warranted, the school will be seeking assistance from other emergency responders in resolving the situation. As such, the immediate objective is generally to contain the incident and successfully manage it until the emergency personnel arrive.

 

4.10 Responses to Acts of Violence: Implied or Direct Threats

 

All staff members are required to notify the building administrator of any violent incident. The building administrator will determine the seriousness of the situation and contact SRO/law enforcement immediately if the situation warrants. However, in an emergency, any staff member may call 911.

 

Prior to the arrival of law enforcement representatives, the building administrator will make every effort to restrict access to the crime scene in order to preserve evidence. Upon arrival of law enforcement officials, they will take over this responsibility with the full support of the building administrator.

 

Responding to Acts of Violence

Student Fights

Staff discovering a fight should:

• Order the students to cease and desist.
• Immediately report the fight to the office by telephone, school radio, or, if necessary, send a student to report the incident.
• Assess any personal risk.
• Refrain from personal involvement until a preponderance of force reduces personal risk.
• Defer to administrators/supervisors and assist in crowd control.

Police Involvement

If a staff member believes a student fight poses a serious, imminent risk, and staff or administration cannot control it, a staff member should call 911.

 

Administrative Involvement

Upon arrival at the scene, the building administrator shall take control of a situation unless police are present. The building administrator shall attempt to end the fight and move the participants to another area. If personal involvement is required, the building administrator shall attempt to amass a preponderance of force to handle the situation.

 

1. Weapons

As per the District Firearms and Weapon policy (Policy Number 5050), no student, staff member or visitor is to be in possession of any firearm or weapon at any time on school grounds, in school buildings, or at school events unless there is a clear and specific educational purpose and that purpose has been approved by a school principal.

When Confronted with an Armed Person

• Try to stay calm.
• If safely possible, leave the area with your students or barricade in a safe location.
• In the event of a firearm, try to safely place as much distance as possible between you and the individual.
• Immediately call 911, notify the office and seek assistance.

Administrative Responsibility

• In all cases of students, staff or visitors brandishing or suspected of having a weapon, SRO/police will be called.
• The individual will be closely observed until police arrive.
• At the decision of an administrator, any time there is reasonable suspicion that a student is in possession of any weapon, the administrator may implement search procedures. A search should be carried out with two or three other same-sex adults. The search may include a pat down of the student’s person and backpack as well as a locker search. If the student is non-cooperative with the search, SRO/police will be called. In case of a suspected firearm, SRO/police will be called first.
• In all cases involving weapons, the Superintendent of Schools will be notified.
• When necessary, lockdown procedures will be implemented.

Act of Violence by Others

An act of violence by a non-student or any visitor to the school District will always be immediately reported to police authorities. All other guidelines in this plan shall pertain.

Post-Incident Responsibility for ALL Acts of Violence

After any violent incident, appropriate disciplinary measures shall be enforced by the building administration. In all cases, parents shall be informed. SRO/Police will be informed regarding any serious issue of violence or any time the incident constitutes a crime under the NYS Penal Law or any time a student or parent requests that police be informed.

1. Contacting Parents Regarding Violent Incidents

For incidents involving one or more students, the building administrator shall notify the parents of all students involved as soon as possible regarding the details of the incident. Whenever the safety of the general student population has been jeopardized or is in future jeopardy, all parents will be notified of the circumstances of the incident as soon as possible.

2. Obtaining Written Statements

Administrators or the police investigators may take statements and supporting depositions, in written form, if deemed necessary. When juveniles, who are under the age of 16, are being questioned by the police on school property, parents and/or school officials must be present. In all incidents, parents must be notified of the involvement of the police department.

3. School Resource Officer

The School Resource Officer office is considered an officially designated space for police business.

 

 4.11 Specific Response Protocols

 

The District has established appropriate response actions to a variety of emergency situations. These responses are detailed in each BLERP as recommended by the NYSED Safe School’s guidance.

 

4.12 Obtaining Advice and Assistance from Local Government

In the event of an emergency where additional assistance or assets not readily available to the district are needed, the Superintendent of Schools, COMT or the Chief Emergency Officer will provide assistance. Canandaigua City School District is partnered with the City of Canandaigua, Towns of Canandaigua, Farmington and Hopewell for these specific circumstances.

4.13 District Resources Available During An Emergency

The District has identified district-based resources that may be available during an emergency. These resources are available through the Superintendent or Chief Emergency Officer and Director of Facilities and Operations or Director of Transportation. 

4.14 Emergency Responses

Functional Annexes focus on the critical operational functions and the courses of action developed to carry them out. In New York State, to ensure consistency, schools are provided with standardized definitions. These annexes are defined in detail in the BLERPs. Other Annexes available and listed in this section are Crime Scene Management, Communications, Accounting for all persons, Continuity of Operations, and Recovery. The Medical Emergency Annex has its own section in the District-Wide Safety Plan.

4.15 Crime Scene Management

Evidence is critical to the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. Therefore, only trained professionals should do the collection and preservation of evidence. Before those professionals arrive, it is important that the crime scene remain as uncontaminated as possible. There are things that can be done by people who arrive at the scene first to help protect the evidence. These procedures are outlined in the BLERPs.

4.16 Emergency Evacuation of Non-Ambulator Individuals

Each building Principal is responsible for identifying non-ambulatory staff or students. This includes assigning an area of rescue assistance for such person on floors above or below the level of discharge. Since BLERPs are provided to local emergency responders, this information will be readily available during an emergency.

4.17 Accounting for All Persons

The Building Level Emergency Response Plan has procedures in place to:

• Take attendance and report to the Incident Commander when class relocates inside the building or an evacuation takes place.
• Report to the Incident Commander when a student, staff member, or guest cannot be located.
• Dismiss students if they have been relocated.

4.18 Family Reunification Plans

During any building evacuation it is important to have a family reunification plan. In general, families should be reunified at each building’s evacuation site and will require assigned personnel and plans that should be detailed in each BLERP.

4.19 Crises Occurring Outside Normal School Hours

Due to the many uncertainties about building occupancy during those times when school is not in session, it is difficult to prescribe a specific course of action that will remedy any and all crises occurring within that time frame. Building Principals, Athletic Director, and/or onsite supervisor will notify the Chief Emergency Officer of the crisis and appropriate actions will be taken.

In the event of an emergency, any staff on the scene should call 911.

4.20 Procedures for Informing Other Educational Agencies of an Emergency

• The BLERP includes actions and duties for the Building Principal or designee to contact the other school buildings, transportation, and operations during an emergency
• The Superintendent and/or Chief Emergency Officer will evaluate the impact of an emergency on other educational agencies and inform them of the emergency.
• If contact with other educational agencies cannot be made, the Superintendent and/or Chief Emergency Officer will contact the Canandaigua Police for assistance in communicating information to these educational facilities.

4.21 Procedures for Sheltering Students, Staff, and Visitors

In the event that it becomes necessary to shelter students, staff, visitors, or other individuals, the building Principal, Superintendent or Chief Emergency Officer will work in tandem to arrangements for adequate supervision of the students under their direction and to make provisions for building custodial and/or maintenance and food services. It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent or Chief Emergency Officer to inform appropriate police, Red Cross, and emergency preparedness officials.

4.22 Medical Emergencies and Mental Health

A medical emergency is a result of a minor or major illness, or injury to an individual, and can be of such severity as to be life threatening, or merely cause the victim discomfort or pain. The District does not expect unlicensed staff to provide medical care. The District does expect unlicensed staff to call for emergency assistance (e.g., 9-1-1, school nurse) and stay with the victim until help arrives. In each case, the guiding principles are to provide appropriate care until competent medical or parental care is secured. Emergency care is not authorized beyond proper first aid. First aid is treatment that will attempt to protect the life and comfort of the victim until authorized medical treatment is available, or in the case of a student, until the child is placed under the care of the parent or guardian. Staff should use judicious avoidance and standard precautions in managing all emergencies. School nurses follow their standard district policies, procedures and training not listed in this section.

The number of medical emergencies that can develop is potentially endless. Each BLERP will designate Building-Level Response Teams that may be used to respond in a medical emergency.

Canandaigua City School District has developed procedures for contacting parents, guardians, or persons in a parental relation to a student in the event of an implied or direct threat of violence by a student against themselves, including threat of suicide or suicidal ideations. When a staff member notices signs of mental health issues or signs of suicide or suicidal ideations, they should report those signs or issues to an administrator or mental health team member immediately and without delay. The administrator will investigate the issue with mental health team members. The district has established procedures that include the use of the Columbia Rating Scale and contact parents with available resources as necessary.