In Elizabeth Schools, our first priority is the safety and security of your children. To ensure a safe, caring environment, the district’s Safety and Security Committee has taken many steps to prevent, moderate, respond to, and recover from a wide range of possible crisis events. The Safety and Security Committee has over 20 members representing Elizabeth Fire Department, Elizabeth Police Department, Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, Elbert County Office of Emergency Management, school principals, parents, and department heads from Facilities, Food Services, Health Services, Technology, and Transportation. The Safety and Security Committee meets regularly.

NEW for 2024-2025

• Singing Hills Elementary is honored to have the addition of an armed security officer to our school. This individual joined us from the High School after many years of serving in the United States Army. He has been a welcome addition to our staff and for the kids.
• Elizabeth Schools has also partnered with Onsolve CodeRED as a county alert service. Community members can learn more here: https://www.onsolve.com/information-center/codered-community-hub/

Safety and Security Measures Currently in Place Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Security cameras monitoring entrances and premises by personnel
• Locked door entrance system
• Raptor Visitor Management System
• Background checks on all volunteers
• Partnerships with emergency responders from community at-large
• Visitor sign-in procedures
• District Employee ID badges
• Ongoing training with staff; regular drills with students using Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
• Short-term supplies of food and emergency blankets in key buildings
• Enhanced communication systems, including two-way radios and pagers
• Safety audits of buildings, compliance with safety laws and regulations
• First Aid/CPR certified staff in every building
• First aid kit in every school
• School nurse or health aides on duty
• Daily monitoring of local, national, and global events
• Incident Command Team at every level
• District Crisis Intervention – Recovery Team that includes counselors and psychologists
• Community Resource Officer

Do schools in Elizabeth School District have a plan for responding to emergencies/crises?

• Yes, we have comprehensive safety plans in place that address a wide range of emergency/crisis situations.
• Every teacher has a Standard Response Protocol (SRP) chart, which is a guide for responding to various types of emergencies.

How will schools respond if an emergency situation occurs?

• Depending on the nature of the emergency, we may go as far as implementing one of the following emergency procedures:  lockout, lockdown, shelter, evacuate

Please help us in the following ways:

• Keep medical information up-to-date.
• Keep emergency contact information current and inform school personnel if there are changes in your home, work or cell numbers.
• During an emergency, please do not call the school. Telephone lines and cell towers are needed for emergency calls.
• In an emergency situation, do not immediately drive to the school. Additional traffic will interfere with safety procedures and could unnecessarily put individuals at risk.

What can parents do to assist in school emergency situations?

• The most important thing to do is to stay calm. Crisis incidents can cause significant confusion and disruption. You need to follow the instructions of the superintendent’s office and emergency management authorities. Please talk with your child in advance about the need to follow all directions of the people in charge: their teacher, school administrator, police, and/or fire rescue officials.

Do schools have the basic supplies and equipment needed to handle emergency situations?

• Yes. Schools have emergency first aid kits. Schools are also equipped with emergency lighting systems, fire extinguishers, flashlights, emergency alert radios, bullhorns, and two-way radios. Most of our schools have automatic external defibrillators (AEDs).

Will parents be notified if an incident occurs at school?

• If an incident occurs, our first priority will be to ensure that all students and staff are safe and that students are under adult supervision. The superintendent’s office will immediately notify the news media and place current information on the school website.
• You should listen to local radio and television stations or access the school system website at www.elizabeth.k12.co.us. These sources should also be accessed for severe weather-related information.

How will I be reunited with my children?

• We know how important it will be for you to be reunited with your children as quickly as possible following a crisis event. To provide for the secure release of your children to an authorized person, we will set up Reunion Centers. You will be directed through the established notification sources to go to a designated reunification center in the community. The superintendent or designee will determine the location that best meets the needs of the specific emergency. The staff on site will assist with dismissal procedures.