|
Responding to Critical Incidents
Every school board should have a set of procedures
that outlines the steps to be taken when a critical incident occurs.
Critical incidents involving physical violence or the potential
for physical violence, the presence of threatening strangers in
the school, and student disclosure of physical or sexual abuse.
These procedures will ensure that both students and teachers are
protected and that all legal requirements are observed. Below
is a set of draft guidelines for responding to critical incidents
developed by Regina Public Schools.
|
A. Prevention
To assist in the prevention of crisis situation,
our schools and the Board have developed support programs
and services.
These include:
- developing a positive school environment
- implementing classroom curriculum
- responding to tragic events
- building students' self-esteem
- utilizing films, videos and literature
|
B. Intervention
- Students should be encouraged to communicate
issues or problems that they believe are potentially dangerous.
- Students and school personnel should be
aware of all school emergency and response procedures
as outlined in manuals, procedures and policies.
- Students and staff share responsibility
for the safety and security of the school.
|
| A simple yet vital action at
the prevention and intervention stages is for staff to make
their presence known at the first sign of any disturbance,
to assess the situation and to seek assistance if necessary. |
|
C. Student Disclosures
School personnel should be aware of policies
and manuals outlining intervention measures for dealing
with:
- Child Abuse
- Child Protection: The School's Role
- Human Rights Equity
- Procedures and Guidelines for a School's
Response to a Tragic Event
|
D. Discipline
The Board has outlined fair and consistent
disciplinary action for responding to crisis situations.
Procedures for specific disciplinary measures regarding
verbal or written threats, racial, physical and/or sexual
harassment or abuse, possession of weapons, threats to use
weapons, or the use of weapons are included in the policy
and procedures manuals or in specific topical handbooks.
|
|
E. Reporting Protocol
In all cases of crisis situations in the school,
the principal/designate will communicate with the students'
parents/guardians, unless advised that it is the responsibility
of City Police and/or Social Services to notify parents
or guardians. The Assistant Superintendent/Superintendent/Director
will be notified.
All inquiries from visitors or the media regarding
crisis situations in the school should be directed to the
principal/designate.
|
|
F. Incidents
Staff are encouraged to complete the Incident
Report Form when incidents occur on the school premises.
Strangers
in the School
Students Fighting
on School Property
Injured Student
Staff Threatened
Person with
a Weapon
|
|
