Over the summer, the Mancos RE-6 school district reevaluated their safety procedures, ensuring they are closely following the state’s expectations for school safety. The district on Sept. 6 sent a letter to parents with details about the district’s safety policies.
“This is a process that is ongoing, and our team is committed to continuously revising and tweaking our systems to enhance any weak points in our safety measures,” the letter said. “Our commitment to safety is unwavering, and we strive to provide a secure environment for all as foundation to a rigorous education system.”
The district added that communication was key to security.
For the 2024-25 school year, the district is utilizing SchoolNow, which will send a text alert and/or automated calls to all district families for any emergency.
The district also plans to use the platform to notify staff and families of weather-related delays and closures by 5:30 a.m.
“This will lead to an increase in effective communication, and we plan to take more steps to increase our communication this year with regular safety updates,” said William Custer, safety and security coordinator.
The safety and security team revised the district’s emergency action plan this summer in conjunction with the Colorado Office of School Safety and the I Love You Guys Foundation.
“This collaborative effort is a testament to our commitment to ensuring the safety of our community,” Custer said. “Going forward, the Mancos School District is approaching safety concerns from a unified perspective. We want to make sure that everyone, from students to staff to parents to first responders, knows what the school does in every emergency situation.”
The district asks that people do not come to the school or call/text their child in the event of a drill or emergency.
“You could jeopardize your child’s safety. The use of phones could cause interference with radio waves and not allow quality communication between the school and first responders,” Custer said. “Calling or texting your child can alert the intruder to your child’s location. First responders need vehicle access to campus when they are experiencing an emergency, so it is imperative that we keep the streets around the school campus clear.”
Custer also reminded parents to update students’ emergency contact information and to check in at the front desk.
“Mancos School District uses Raptor instant background check systems to help track who visits our campus,” Custer said.
In the event of an emergency, there are multiple safety procedures that will be followed.
- In hold, students remain in the classroom, but classes remain as usual.
- In secure status, students return to the inside of the building, where class will be conducted, per usual. Exterior doors are locked and there is no entry or exit from the building until the “all clear.”
- Lockdown occurs when there is an immediate threat to safety. All school doors, interior and exterior, are locked, and everyone is in a room. Students and staff remain “silent and out of sight.” There is no entry or exit until there is an “all clear” signal.
- In an evacuation, students are relocated to a reunification site and will only be released to parents and guardians with a photo ID and permission from a district official.
- When a shelter in place occurs, students and staff will remain in their buildings until they are alerted of next steps. This could also be used in the case of excess snow, flooding or other natural hazard, not just for an emergency regarding a threat to the school.
Those with questions or concerns are asked to contact Custer at wcuster@mancosre6.edu.
