sign saying keeping schools safe

Dear CMS Parents and Guardians,

Today we found it necessary to hold a level 2 lockdown.  A student in the hallway heard what they thought was  a student talking about having a gun.  The student immediately reported it to an administrator.   Using our cameras, and other safety protocols we have implemented, we were able to work with our Resource Officer and Administration and find the students that were overheard.  After the investigation it was determined there was no gun and all students are safe.  

We appreciate the quick action of not only the student that reported what he heard but also the faculty and staff at the school, and Cedar City Police,  in keeping our students safe.  We also want to thank parents for your cooperation when Lockdown Safety Protocols are initiated. Those protocols help keep students safe and allow law enforcement and administration to focus on their investigation.  Today’s lockdown was smooth and we attribute a large part of  that to our recent level 2 lockdown drill and student training.  We feel that our continued practice of these safety procedures in our building helped tremendously in this situation today.  

Earlier in the year we sent an email explaining each level of lockdown that we use district wide.  Today's lockdown was a level 2 lockdown.  As a reminder, a level 2 lockdown means:

  • All exterior and interior doors are locked. 

  • No one is let in or out of the building.  

  • Students in the hallway move to their classroom quickly.

  • Teachers clear the hallways prior to locking the classroom doors.  

  • Once doors are locked students and teachers continue instruction and classroom activity as normal. 

While it is unsettling to think about emergencies happening to our children, frequent review and practice of emergency procedures at home and at school, will help everyone to be prepared.  Below you will find the CMS Emergency Policy.  We ask that you become familiar with the policy so that we can all work together in case of a true emergency.

CMS EMERGENCY POLICY

Cedar Middle School understands that the safety of the students and staff on our campus is the first priority in any situation.  Due to the fact that an emergency can occur at any time, CMS believes it is of the utmost importance to be prepared for any and all hazards that may affect our schools. An Emergency Operations Plan has been developed that will help to protect our most precious assets, our students and faculty/staff. 

We ask that, in the event of an actual emergency, parents do all they can to help make the situation as safe as possible for their child by following the guidelines below: 

  • Please refrain from contacting the school during an actual emergency, as school personnel will be busy dealing with that crisis. We also recommend that you do not contact the Emergency Dispatch Center or other emergency services, as they will in all likelihood, be involved in the same crisis. Parents will be notified, as soon as possible through our school Remind notification system.  When able we will follow up that notification with a more detailed email.  To sign up for emergency notifications through Remind please text @cedarmidd to 81010.  If we have a drill or send Remind notices and you do not get one please sign up again.

  • We ask that you do not attempt to pick up your child during an emergency, as law enforcement will control parent and public access to the school during that emergency. Whenever the school is allowed to release students, you will be notified. Only authorized contacts listed on your child’s PowerSchool will be allowed to pick up your child after an actual emergency. Please note that a photo ID will also be required of anyone (including parents) attempting to pick up students after an emergency.  This is required as it is possible that school personnel assigned to release students may not recognize you as the parent or authorized adult to pick up the child. This procedure will be followed for your child’s own protection and safety.

  • If students/staff need to evacuate the school, students will be transferred to a safe location. School personnel have been trained to keep your child safe during an evacuation. When students have arrived at the designated location, you will be notified when and where they can be released to parents and/or whether buses will be able to transport students to their homes. 

  • If you are on the school premises during an emergency, or a drill, you will be asked to follow directions from staff or officers without question. 

Throughout the school year, students will be trained in emergency procedures and will be taught how to react, where to assemble and what to expect in an emergency situation. We appreciate your help and understanding when it comes to our emergency procedures and the training taking place throughout the year.

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email, call or stop by the school.  Our doors are always open for our parents and students.  Communication is vital in ensuring a successful school year for your student, especially when there is a concern or issue that arises.