Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Staying Safe and Happy

Staying prepared always helps! At PCE we take the security of our students seriously. I want to remind our returning parents, and update any new families, of the security features we have in place at Prairie Crossing.
  • We will continue to keep our front doors locked throughout the day. 
  • You will have to ring the doorbell and be “buzzed” into the building. 
  • In addition to the doorbell, visitors are screened by our security cameras that we view in the front office. 
  • We are asking that all parents please help us by ensuring that the door closes behind you when you enter or exit the building. 
  • Please be aware of allowing other adults entering the building with you.  
  • Remember to check in at the office anytime you are in the building, this is an one easy step that helps to keep the our students and school safe and secure at all times.
  • Adults that are outside supervising children will have a very bright orange vest on so children will know who to go to for help.  They will  be equipped with Walkie-Talkies that will call directly into the office if assistance is needed. 
  • We will have crossing guards at both crosswalks on South Bradbury in the morning and in the afternoon to assist our walkers.  They will wear safety vests so they are easily identified by children and parents. 
  • We will conduct at least one safety drill a month throughout the year.  Our drills consist of fire, severe weather, lock-down and lock-out drills.   The difference between lock-out and lock-down drills: 
    • Lock-out:  this takes place when there is a "threat" outside of the building.  For example: a gas leak, police activity or a wild animal sighting.  This will include all children coming inside and it will be business as normal until all is clear outside the building. 
    • Lock-down: this takes place when there is a "threat" inside the building.  We will announce Locks, Lights, Out of Sight!  Teachers will lock their doors, turn out their lights, and all children will be gathered together away from doors and windows so they cannot be seen. 
  • Teachers will be aware when we practice ANY drill.  They will review rules and procedures ahead of time and prepare the children for all types of drills.  When the actual drill takes place we will clearly state that it is time to practice the "type of" safety drill.  When we practice drills there will be no "reenactments" or "actors" pretending to be bad guys.  Our drills are not intended to scare our children but rather to prepare them for emergencies.  

Other safety procedures we want to remind everyone about are morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up. 

  •        There is NO SUPERVISION on the playground before school---PLEASE do not encourage your children to play on the playground before school.  Walkers, bike riders and car riders can go to either the front door or the "bus loop" door and wait for the bell.  Those doors will be opened at 8:30 for student arrival.


·       Morning Drop-Off:

o   Parents using the drop-off in the morning must drop their child off along the curb.  This area is two lanes wide so that parents can stop along the curb and then pull out into the left lane when exiting.  Students should only exit the car on the passenger side.  Parents using this area should always drive as far forward in the lane as possible before stopping. 

·       Afternoon Pick-Up:

o   When picking students up in this area, parents SHOULD NOT double park NOR leave the car unattended.  Students should, again, only enter the car on the passenger side from the curb.  There is to be NO PARKING in the drop off lane as it is an emergency vehicle access lane.

o   Please remember to pull all the way up in the drop-off zone to pick up your children.  It is a safety concern for our teachers and our students to cut in the line, or to pull in against traffic flow.  We know that the line can sometimes be long but the safety of our children is worth the wait! 

General Safety Rules:

Please remember there are no u-turns on South Bradbury Ranch Drive. This is dangerous for all of our community.

Please have students cross with the crossing guards.

Thank you for helping to keep our PCE students and community  safe and happy!

Carrie Rotherham
Prairie Crossing Elementary
Principal

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