Superintendent Press Release January 24, 2025
Dear Cedar Bluffs Families,
So, some excitement a couple of weeks ago with the armed robbery at Cedar Bluffs Bank. Now that things have died down, I thought it might be helpful for our parents and community members to understand our processes when something like this happens so close to our school.
Cedar Bluffs Public School has implemented a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan that follows the nationally recognized "I Love U Guys" Standard Response Protocol. This protocol is designed to address a wide range of emergency situations with five specific response actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. As part of our commitment to safety, we practice these drills regularly throughout the year to ensure that both students and staff are well-prepared for any situation that may arise.
One example of our detailed approach is the response protocol for a HOLD, where our goal is to fully implement the procedure within 8 minutes. This critical time frame requires precise coordination among staff to ensure the safety and accountability of everyone on campus. During a HOLD, several key actions take place simultaneously. Staff members are assigned to check all exterior doors throughout the building. Although our doors remain locked during school hours, it is vital to confirm their security, as occasional use by students or staff can leave doors unintentionally ajar. By verifying that all entry points are secure, we minimize potential risks and ensure that the school remains a safe environment.
Another important task during a HOLD involves ensuring that all students are accounted for, whether they are on campus or participating in activities elsewhere. A staff member is specifically assigned to check the playground and ensure that no students remain outside. Simultaneously, another staff member reviews schedules to account for students who may be off-campus for field trips, special programs, or other activities. For instance, in this situation, a student was being transported to an alternative location as part of a special program, and their status needed to be confirmed as part of the HOLD procedure. These additional checks ensure that no one is overlooked during an emergency.
In the classrooms, teachers conduct headcounts to confirm that all students assigned to their rooms are present. This process involves checking typical areas where students might be during the day, such as restrooms, the counseling office, or other locations they may visit. Every effort is made to ensure that no student is unaccounted for and that all individuals are safe.
This is an example of one of the five safety protocols that the school and students practice regularly throughout the year. On that particular day, we successfully met our goal of implementing the HOLD within 8 minutes. During this time, we noticed that some students, despite the policy against cell phone use in class, managed to send text messages, which resulted in an influx of phone calls to the school. Addressing these calls can occasionally slow down certain processes as we focus on ensuring clear communication and accurate information for everyone involved.
Have a great weekend - Wildcat Pride!