School Safety
Diligence in Our Security Measures
Emergency Situations
Chatham Charter has developed comprehensive emergency response plans for the entire campus, and our School Safety and Support Plan is updated regularly as warranted. All faculty and staff members have immediate access to procedures for handling classroom emergencies. Our procedures include real-time notifications to faculty and staff, when circumstances allow. Please do not reach out to staff during emergency situations or lockdowns, as they are working to remain silent and model what we expect from our students, while keeping one another safe.
Types of Status Changes
Lockdown
A Lockdown is initiated when there is an immediate threat to the school.
- Students remain in their classrooms or are moved into secure, safe areas.
- No one is allowed to enter or exit the building.
- Instruction halts until the threat has been resolved and law enforcement provides clearance.
Precautionary Status
Precautionary Status is initiated when there is suspicious activity or crime in the community, near the school, but no direct or imminent danger to our campus.
- All students return to, or remain inside, the building if they are outside.
- School activities continue as normal inside the building.
- Exterior movement is restricted until an all-clear is given.
Who Can Place the School in Lockdown or Precautionary Status?
Any Chatham Charter staff member with access to the intercom system can activate a lockdown or precautionary status if they perceive a threat to the safety of the school and its students.
- This decision is often made in coordination with local law enforcement, when circumstances allow.
- The lockdown will not be lifted until law enforcement and school administration give an official all-clear. At that point, additional protocols are followed to maintain a secure environment.
Communication During a Lockdown or Precautionary Status
The first responsibility of school administration in any emergency is to protect students and staff while coordinating closely with law enforcement. Although communication with families is very important, it must come after we first ensure the immediate safety of everyone on campus.
During most Lockdown and in certain Precautionary Status situations, families can expect the following communication protocol when reasonably safe to do so:
- Initial Notification
- A brief phone and email message will be sent notifying families that the school is in lockdown. (If warranted, a message may be sent for a precautionary status.)
- Avoid the immediate inclination of coming to campus or contacting staff members, preventing interference with staff responsibilities and law enforcement activities.
- Do NOT call the school, as staff members are not available to answer phone calls.
- To ensure you receive timely communication, please keep your contact information up to date through Infinite Campus.
- All-Clear Notification
- Once the lockdown or precautionary status has been lifted, a brief follow-up phone and email message will be sent.
- Follow-Up Details (if needed)
Additional email updates may be provided after the incident concludes, only after consultation with law enforcement. Please note that law enforcement may dictate information the school can share with the public due to an ongoing investigation.
Important Note
Every crisis situation is different. Chatham Charter works closely with local law enforcement, emergency management, and school safety partners to provide parents with accurate information as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we work to ensure Chatham Charter remains a safe and supportive place for all students to learn and grow.
