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Standard Reunification Method
STUDENT/PARENT REUNIFICATION
Circumstances may occur at the school that require parents to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release. This process is called a Reunification and may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazmat, or if a crisis occurs at the school.
The Standard Reunification Method is a protocol that makes this process more predictable and less chaotic for all involved.
Because a reunification is not a typical end-of-school-day event, a reunification may occur at a different location than the school a student attends. If this location is another school, then those students may also be subject to a controlled release.
NOTIFICATION
Parents may be notified in a number of ways. The school or district may use its broadcast phone or text message system. In some cases, students may be asked to send a text message to their parents.
A reunification text message from a student may look something like this: “The school has closed, please pick me up at 3:25 at the main entrance. Bring your ID.”
PARENT/GUARDIAN EXPECTATIONS
If a parent or guardian is notified that a reunification is needed, there are some expectations that parents or guardians should be aware of. First, bring identification. That will streamline things during reunification. Second, be patient.
Reunification is a process that protects both the safety of the student and provides for an accountable change of custody from the school to a recognized custodial parent or guardian.
WHAT IF THE STUDENT DROVE TO SCHOOL?
There may be times when a student is not permitted to remove a vehicle from the parking lot. In such cases, parents should come to pick up the student. Sometimes, high school students may be allowed to leave on their own.
As mentioned, if your student drove to school, stay in contact with them by phone to understand the specific procedures the school is using for these situations.
HOW IT WORKS
For students, the school requests that they remain orderly and quiet while waiting. Students may be asked to text a message to their parents or guardians. Students are also asked not to send other text messages either in or out of the school or reunification area. Keeping the cellular network usage to a minimum may be important during a reunification.
REUNIFICATION CARDS
For parents, there are a couple of steps. If a parent is driving to the school, greater awareness of traffic and emergency vehicles is advised. Parents should park where indicated. Then, parents should follow the staff's instructions or the signs to a “Parent Greeting Area”, where a staff member will assist them in completing a Parent Reunification Card (see above). Parents are then asked to proceed to the “Parent Check-In Area” and form a line. While in line, parents are asked to fill out a reunification card.
This card is perforated and will be separated during the process. Some of the same information is repeated on both the top and the bottom of the card, separated by a blank space. Parents are asked to complete all parts of the card.
In cases where multiple students are being reunified, a separate card must be completed for each student.
BRING ID TO CHECK IN
During check-in, identification and custody rights are confirmed. The card is separated, and the bottom half is given back to the parent.
From the “Parent Check-In Area,” parents are directed to a holding area called the “Parent Waiting Area.” There, a runner, when prompted, will escort the parent to the “Reunification Area,” where the student or students are being brought from a “Student Assembly Area” to be recovered by you as the parent.
INTERVIEWS AND COUNSELING
In some cases, parents may be advised that a law enforcement investigation is underway and may be advised that interviews are necessary. In extreme cases, parents may be pulled aside for emergency or medical information.