CHS Lockdown Response Recap

This morning at 7:41 AM, the Bluepoint security system was activated at Central High School. In response, our staff and students followed district safety protocols as expected. Their swift and disciplined actions ensured a safe and orderly lockdown while emergency personnel arrived on-site.

Law enforcement conducted a thorough sweep of the building and determined there was no threat to students or staff. Within an hour, the situation was fully cleared, and normal operations resumed. 

Due to the initial response, bus transportation was delayed, which resulted in Howard B. Thomas Grade School starting one hour behind schedule. We appreciate the patience of our HBT students, families, and staff as we worked to get students safely to school.

We also want to recognize our outstanding transportation staff for their efforts in rerouting buses, maintaining clear communication, and adapting to changing circumstances. Their ability to adjust in real-time played a key role in ensuring students arrived safely at their destinations.

Key Takeaways from Today’s Response

• Staff executed safety protocols as trained. Their immediate response helped maintain calm and order in the building. We cannot emphasize enough how much we appreciate their commitment to keeping our students safe.
• This is why we do these drills. Today’s response showed the importance of practicing emergency procedures. Because of the preparation and training our staff and students receive, everyone knew exactly what to do.
• Emergency communication takes time. We understand the desire for real-time updates, but our priority is to  manage the situation to ensure the safety of students and staff, then share verified and accurate information rather than creating unnecessary concern.
• Sharing false information creates confusion. In situations like these, it is important to rely on official district updates rather than speculation or unverified reports on social media which can cause unnecessary panic and disrupt response efforts.
• Avoiding the area is critical. In any emergency, it is essential that families and community members stay away from school buildings so that first responders can quickly and safely access the campus. 

We are incredibly grateful to our students, staff, and families for their patience and cooperation today, and to our first responders for their prompt response. The safety of our school community is always our top priority, and today’s response demonstrated the strength of our preparedness. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the district office.

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