Parent Guide to School Safety

Below is important information for parents & guardians that will help you be more prepared if an emergency situation arises in your child's school.

LOCKDOWN
A lockdown is implemented when there is either a real or perceived threat to our students and staff.

When a school enters Lockdown, there is no entry/exit allowed.
It is important that emergency responders have quick, easy access to the schools. Do not block roads or driveways to the schools.
Do not go to the school doors for any reason. This could create a very dangerous situation for everyone.
Do not call the school. During a school emergency, there is no one answering phones.
Remain calm. Cooperate for any school, law enforcement, and/or emergency response officials on the scene.
Wait for notification(s) from the school/district. Please note that communication during a crisis situation is very important to the Thomaston-Upson School System; but, in addition to providing initial notification and timely updates, we must also ensure the safety of everyone involved and the accuracy of all information released. Please do not affect this process by spreading rumors. Wait for true and accurate information from the school district or the law enforcement agency in charge.
Make sure that your contact information and preferred method of contact is updated within Infinite Campus Parent Portal and at your child's school.
Help keep the phones working. Please note that excessive phone calls, going "Live" on social sites, etc. can affect essential communication capabilities. Please be thoughtful and smart in the use of your phones.
Parents/guardians may check out students once law enforcement allows the school to reopen. Please make sure you bring proper ID with you to check out your child.

EVACUATION
An evacuation is implemented when school facility conditions are unsafe for occupants.

When a school is in the process of an evacuation, there is no student check in/check out allowed.
It is important that emergency responders have quick, easy access to the schools. Do not block roads or driveways to the schools.
Do not go to the school. This could create a very dangerous situation for everyone. If a school is being evacuated, then the campus is not safe.
Do not call the school. During a school emergency, there is no one answering phones.
Remain calm and wait for notification from the school/district. Please do not affect this process by spreading rumors. Wait for true and accurate information from the school district or the law enforcement agency in charge. Please note that our first priority is to ensure the safe relocation of students and staff and account for each and every individual in the school.
Make sure that your contact information and preferred method of contact is updated within Infinite Campus Parent Portal and at your child's school.
Help keep the phones working. Please note that excessive phone calls, going "Live" on social sites, etc. can affect essential communication capabilities. Please be thoughtful and smart in the use of your phones.
The school/district will notify parents/guardians of a reunification site where students may be picked up.
Parents/guardians may pick up students at the designated reunification site. Please make sure you bring proper ID with you to pick up your child.

FAMILY REUNIFICATION
Family reunification occurs when students are evacuated from the school campus due to unsafe school/campus conditions.

Remain calm and wait for notification from the school/district. Parents will receive notification from the district's emergency notification system with the location of the family reunification site. For security purposes, a reunification site location is released AFTER student/staff safety at that site has been confirmed.
Make sure that your contact information and preferred method of contact is updated within Infinite Campus Parent Portal and at your child's school.
Help keep the phones working. Please note that excessive phone calls, going "Live" on social sites, etc. can affect essential communication capabilities. Please be thoughtful and smart in the use of your phones.
Proceed carefully to the family reunification site. Obey all traffic laws. There is no need to risk accident or injury getting to the site. Students will be supervised and well-taken care of until parents/guardians arrive.
Follow all instructions provided by law enforcement agencies and/or district/school staff when you arrive at the reunification site.
Please make sure you bring proper ID with you to pick up your child.
Please exit the area as soon as you have picked up your child.

SCHOOL CANCELLATION
School is closed. Buses will not operate.

Parents will receive notification from the district's emergency notification system.
Make sure you have updated your contact information within Infinite Campus Parent Portal and at your child's school.
Information will be posted on the district website at www.upson.k12.ga.us and on the district facebook site at www.facebook.com/TUSchools.
Information will be sent to local media: wtga Fun 101 fm and The Upson Beacon.
Plan Ahead for possible school cancellations. Arrange for alternate child care. Have a responsible adult (relative, friend, or neighbor) who is willing to help out during a school cancellation.

EARLY DISMISSAL, DELAYED DISMISSAL, or DELAYED START
School is open but operating on a revised schedule. Buses will transport students on a revised schedule.

Parents will receive notification from the district's emergency notification system.
Make sure you have updated your contact information within Infinite Campus Parent Portal and at your child's school.
Information will be posted on the district website at www.upson.k12.ga.us and on the district facebook site at www.facebook.com/TUSchools.
Information will be sent to local media: wtga Fun 101 fm and The Upson Beacon.

SEVERE WEATHER
Visit our Severe Weather Guide for important information and preparations for severe weather situations.