Health and Safety
Safety Begins with Prevention
Family Resources
Click on the topics below to find facts and data, conversation starters, action items, and websites with additional information and resources.
Guidance on safe storage of firearms & medications:
Safety at Home Resources
Guidance on online privacy, security & connecting safely:
Social Media Safety Resources
Additional resources and guidance from Washington Department of Health:
Safety Study Hall
Find more resources to assist students and families:
Mental & Physical Wellness
Electronic Resources and Internet Safety
Important information about students’ online activities:
Emergency Preparedness
The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority.
Safety begins with prevention and having a plan in place. State law requires schools to conduct nine drills a year, including practice for shelter-in-place, lockdown and evacuation. Information on this page will assist parents and families in the event of an emergency. Please note that due to safety concerns, staff and students may be asked by law enforcement to turn off cell phones during a crisis situation. This is an emergency management best practice. Police do not want parents to come to school to retrieve their children, because that could put the parent in danger and/or could compromise the police investigation. For additional information, please review district policy.
Communication
In the event of an emergency such as a threat to campus, snow, windstorms, earthquake, or similar events, the Valley School District may change school start or dismissal times for student safety. We will communicate with parents through:
- Automated phone calls, text messages and/or emails. Please ensure your school has a working, current phone number where you can be reached.
- Alerts on the district/school website and Parent Apps.
- Announcements on social media (district/school Facebook; Instagram)
Emergency Response ‘Do & Don't’ Tips
Our schools have safety plans in place to handle natural disasters, security issues, and other emergency situations in coordination with local law enforcement and first responders, including family reunification with off-site evacuations. Help us keep your child safe by following these emergency response tips.
DO: Bookmark this website & ParentSquare family app
We will post the latest available information on our district homepage. Check back frequently for updates and instructions on when and where you can pick up your child if parent pick-up is necessary.
DON'T: Rush to the school
Coming to school may put you or your child at great risk. Additional people on the scene distract first responders from their primary job – student safety. Instead, check our website, parent app, your email, or your phone for information and instructions.
DO: Get connected
Make sure we have your current phone number and email address so we can reach you quickly with an automated call, text, or email about an emergency situation. Update your contact information with your school office.
DON’T: Call the school or district office
Resources are stretched thin during emergencies. Incoming calls take away from our ability to get updates to you through our website, email, phone calls/texts, and parent app. Get information from other sources and wait to be contacted by your student’s school office.