School Safety

KCSD always takes reported threats to our schools seriously. We work closely with our partners in law enforcement to determine each report’s credibility as soon as possible. In most cases, those charged with the investigation are able to quickly ascertain that there is no substance to the threat and therefore regular activities can continue as normal.

When there is a safety concern, KCSD alerts parents and guardians via our mass notification email and text systems. Please make sure your contact information is updated at all times with your child’s school office. Direct any questions regarding your notifications to: communications@kingstoncityschools.org. KCSD strives to inform students, staff, and families about incidents in as timely a way as possible; however, the first priority is always given to managing the situation and restoring safety.

KCSD is committed to sharing accurate information, which sometimes requires a more indepth exploration into the details of the incident. These factors impact how quickly we are able to release information. In some instances, we may be able to share partial information as the incident ensues and follow up with additional information as we are able. Other situations may take longer. We appreciate your patience and understanding at these times.

Please help us avoid the spread of rumors. When unsubstantiated information is spread by word of mouth, social media, or other means, it can hinder the investigation and cause unnecessary concern in the community.

The natural instinct for parents or guardians is to come to the school during an emergency out of a desire to protect their children. However, by doing so, they may endanger themselves and their children. Law enforcement and school personnel are busy responding to the situation. Your arrival or calls may distract them from their work. Please help keep everyone safe by following the steps below.

STAY HOME

The most important contribution you can make to your student and your own safety may be staying away from the school until notified.

STAY INFORMED

Information will be shared with families as soon as possible. Priority is always given to ensuring safety first. Please know, in some situations, accurate information may take some time to verify and share, so please be patient.

BE READY

Be prepared to follow instructions from the Kingston City School District.

SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING!

Please remember that it takes us all working together to keep our students safe. It is important to be alert and vigilant. If you or your child hears of a possible threat or sees something that does not feel right, contact your school administrator or local law enforcement immediately. We’d rather check something out that only “might” be an issue than not be aware of a potential threat.

We also have an anonymous tip line to report issues called iWitnessNY™. 

In the case of an imminent life threatening emergency, call 911.

 

Being prepared for crisis situations is an integral part of our district safety plan. KCSD maintains detailed procedures for responding to a wide variety of potential crises, all designed to ensure students are secure and accounted for while first responders, police, school officials, and other emergency personnel respond to a situation. Sometimes it may feel like a lockdown or evacuation is an overreaction, especially if the perceived threat turns out to be nonexistent. However, it’s usually easier to downgrade or cancel a protective action than it is to try to elevate a response in the middle of an event. 

Practice Makes Perfect - Drills

To help ensure preparedness and responsiveness, the district conducts drills for each of the following procedures. To keep an authentic response environment, notifications to students and families are typically not made in advance of a drill, but rather immediately prior to the drill or once it has ensued. Notifications are delivered via our mass notification email and text systems. During an emergency, having shared vocabulary for students, staff, and first responders is paramount. Here are the common actions taken and what they mean.

LOCKDOWN

In response to an imminent threat in or around a school, a Lockdown is used to quickly ensure all school staff and students are secured in rooms away from immediate danger. Only emergency responders can release each room from lockdown. Barricade the door or exit if the danger is within your locked area. Includes: 4 Drills

LOCKOUT

In response to an imminent concern outside of the school, a Lockout secures all campus occupants inside the building. Normal operations will continue inside the building. Students will not be released during a Lockout and building access is restricted during this time. Includes: 2 Drills

EVACUATION

Evacuation takes place if it is determined that it is safer outside than inside the building (fire, explosion, intruder, hazardous material spill), where students and staff can safely reach the evacuation location without danger. Includes: 6 Fire Drills, 1 Campus Only Evacuation Drill, 1 County Wide Evacuation Drill

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

A Shelter-in-Place may be issued when it is necessary to remain inside the building due to exterior hazards such as severe weather. Students are kept in a safe space inside the building until the situation has been resolved. Includes: 2 Drills

HOLD-IN-PLACE

A Hold-in-Place may be issued during a non-threatening event such as a medical emergency or a maintenance issue. Hallways are cleared, students are kept in classrooms, and instruction continues.