Magruder High School has prepared a comprehensive plan for parent child reunification in the event of an emergency or threat to our students and staff.  We want to assure the parents of our students that we have planned and practiced for many types of emergency situations and are prepared to keep all Magruder students and staff as safe as possible.  In fact, MCPS has been credited by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Homeland Security with having developed a national example of how to respond to crisis situations. Click here for the MCPS emergency web page.

Because safety and security is important to us, we have emphasized and continue to focus on well-rehearsed drills and careful plans that assure safety.  We have practiced Code Blue (all students in the building and outsiders locked out), Code Red (all students locked in their classrooms and outsiders locked out), and fire drills.  The teachers and students have responded to each of the drills effectively.

Below are some steps you can take to help us keep all students safe.  We hope that knowing that these procedures are in place will help reassure you and your students that they are safe and protected.

What you can do:

· Update yellow emergency cards and the Authorization for Release form.  While any parent may pick up their own children without prior written authorization, written authorization is required to pick up someone else’s child.  Verbal requests cannot be accepted.  Any individual listed on the yellow index cards or on the Authorization for Release you filled out at the beginning of the school year will be authorized to pick up your child in the event of any emergency.  If you would like to update your yellow cards or complete the release form, hard copies are available in the main office or print the forms from the online link at the bottom of this page.  All authorized individuals will be permitted to pick up designated students once they have presented proper identification.

· Tell your students to follow instructions they receive at school during such emergencies.

· Talk to your students about the use of cell phones during an emergency.  Following directions and the process in place during an emergency is the best policy, and will limit unnecessary panic and confusion. 

·  Discuss the reunification plan with your children – students need to be told you will come to get them and that you will follow the Magruder plan in place for parent reunification.

In an emergency:

· The school will utilize the ConnectEd system to send an initial emergency message to parents.

· Please do not immediately come to the school to pick up your students.  Instead, focus on the available resources -- radio, television, computer, or other communication devices -- in order to learn what the school wants you to do.  In many scenarios, students would be safest inside the building.  In some situations no one would be allowed in the building.

· Please do not try to call the school – we need open lines for emergency information.  Again, use the resources in place to get the most accurate information.

· Should it be necessary to pick up your child in an emergency, please follow the process for Parent/Child Reunification.   The PCR process occurs in the STUDENT PARKING LOT, and depending on the type of emergency, either the student parking lot entrance to the building, or the football stadium gates.  Should we initiate this process all information sources will be updated.

· Parents must park in the student parking lot.  The main entrance needs to be kept clear for buses or emergency equipment, and to maintain quick egress for everyone.