October 2024
Dear Parent or Guardian:
On Thursday, October 17th at approximately 1:45 PM the District will be conducting an emergency evacuation drill involving all UPK-12 students and staff. The purpose of the drill is to familiarize South Lewis students and staff with procedures to be used when evacuation of the building and/or campus is necessary.
The general plan for the drill will include:
• Informing staff and students that this activity is a drill and not a live event.
• A building fire drill and/or lock down may be utilized during the drill.
• When directed to do so, students and staff will be moved to "safe zones" identified at each building. The safe zones may include gymnasiums, cafeterias, athletic fields, the bus garage or other on-campus locations. School administration and staff will review the drill with students and staff at each "safe zone" and/or relocation site.
• In previous years we have had students and staff load buses as if they were being evacuated from the campus to an alternative off-campus site such as a local fire hall. However, for the purpose of the drill this year, the students will not be loaded onto buses and/or brought to an alternative location.
• The drill will conclude and students will return to their buildings and classrooms to complete the school day prior to dismissal.
We would like to thank you and your child(ren) in advance for your cooperation in helping to make this drill a success. I would encourage you to discuss with your child(ren) to take the drill seriously and to use it as a learning experience. The safety of our students is of great importance. This drill will help us be prepared should a real situation take place that requires a lockdown, internal movement, building or campus evacuation, and/or cooperation and communication with emergency services/personnel. Lastly, please be aware that your access to our campus and your child will be restricted during the drill from approximately 1 :45-2:30 PM. Therefore, we ask that on Thursday, October 17th you plan accordingly for any on-campus needs or visits between 1 :45 - 2:30 PM.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your child's building principal or me.
Sincerely,
Douglas Premo
Superintendent of Schools