Communications in an Emergency
In the event of an emergency, Stargate's first priority is to ensure student safety. Additional guidelines for our community are outlined below.
Do's and Don'ts in an Emergency or Crisis
DO check your email and text messages. Stargate will notify you in an emergency.
DO wait for communication of arrival and release times if a crisis or emergency coincides with the start or end of school.
DON’T come to the school unless notified to do so. This could create traffic congestion and get in the way of emergency personnel.
DON’T call your child or the school. Excessive phone calls could jam the phone system and interfere with emergency communications.
DO avoid sharing rumors or speculation on social media. Inaccurate or "unconfirmed" information can make it harder for official news to be distributed to those impacted by the incident.
Be Prepared
Visit the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to ensure that you are set up to receive emergency notifications and that your child’s emergency contact information is up to date.
Also within the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, please verify the primary guardian on your child’s record, as they are the only one that a child can be released to in the event of an emergency that requires a pick-up.
Ensure that your child’s emergency contact information is up to date.
Talk to your children about school emergency procedures so they know what to expect.
Reach out to your school leader with questions about how Stargate communicates during an emergency and what school-specific emergency procedures are in place.
See Something. Say something.
Safe2Tell Colorado provides a safe and easy way to anonymously report information about anything that is a concern to school or community safety. We encourage families to contact Stargate administrators if they have knowledge of anything that could compromise the safety of the Stargate community, but Safe2Tell provides an additional resource. To report a safety concern via Safe2Tell, please call 877-542-SAFE (7233).
Talking to Children About Frightening Incidents - Tips for Parents and Teachers
High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.
Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.
Make time to talk. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. Be patient; children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or yard work. Some children prefer writing, playing music or doing an art project as an outlet. Young children may need concrete activities (such as drawing, looking at picture books or imaginative play) to help them identify and express their feelings.
Tips excerpted from a National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) tip sheet.
* Information on this page is sourced from the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Emergency Communications Overview.
