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Standard Response Protocol: Important Safety Terms at CPCSC

Like many other school districts, CPCSC uses Standard Response Protocol (SRP) in the event of a safety concern. Understanding SRP can provide parents and community members with a better understanding of how schools respond in different types of situations.

SRP is a uniform, planned, and practiced set of actions for emergencies developed by the nonprofit “I Love You Guys” Foundation. Founded in 2006 by Ellen and John-Michael Keyes after a school shooting took the life of their daughter, the “I Love You Guys” Foundation has become the go-to resource for schools to unify communication between staff, students, and first responders. Schools and other organizations around the country have adopted SRP, and the “I Love You Guys” Foundation supplies resources at no cost.

Should an emergency take place at a CPCSC school, students and staff are told which SRP action to take. Drills and safety presentations throughout the district use SRP so that students and staff will know what to do. If a call is made to first responders, they know what actions students and staff have taken before arriving on the scene. 

CPCSC Director of School Safety Dave Coulson notes that this bridge with emergency personnel is a major component in responding to emergencies. “We are always searching for best practices with regards to safety and security,” he said. “Under the SRP model, it is imperative that concise and consistent communication be used and understood by staff, students, and our external first responder (police/fire) partners. Members of our CPCSC safety team meet on a regular basis with these external partners to ensure that everyone is on the same page with regards to the established protocols.”

When many parents hear “school safety”, they often think of situations such as intruders or active shooters. However, Assistant Superintendent Mark Gianfermi says SRP is for all types of emergencies. “SRP does address actions to take in very severe or serious situations, but it’s important that we prepare for all types of emergencies,” he said. “This could include things like weather issues, a gas leak, or a student having a medical issue. SRP addresses all situations so that everyone knows what to do.” 

If a situation requires a school building to be evacuated, CPCSC will activate the Standard Reunification Method, also from the “I Love You Guys” Foundation. This method is an organized, planned series of steps that relocates students to another building where parents/guardians can pick up their children. CPCSC has a reunification team of more than 50 individuals who receive training annually.

Combined, SRP and the Standard Reunification Method provide a consistent and specific framework for quick action in emergencies.

Click here for the parent handout from the “I Love You Guys” Foundation.

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