Laramie County School District #1 details emergency protocols, tells parents not to come to campus during incidents

Laramie County School District #1 outlined its use of the I Love You Guys Foundation Standard Response Protocol and advised parents on what to do during holds, secures, lockdowns, evacuations and sheltering, a district spokesperson said.

"Children are our most valuable resource, and they deserve our protection," the Laramie County School District #1 spokesperson said, and the district noted that the Cheyenne Police Department and the Laramie County Sheriff—s Office coordinate with schools during crises.

The district described five standard responses and what parents should expect. During a hold, students clear hallways and remain in classrooms or assigned areas; doors are locked and staff account for students. The district said students continue normal activities until an all-clear is announced.

A secure protocol means all students return inside and outside doors remain locked while staff continue school activities. The district said secure protocols are typically used when law enforcement or other emergency responders are active in the area and parents should stay where they are.

During a lockdown students move out of sight, remain silent and do not open doors; staff will secure hallways and lock doors when possible. The district asked parents not to call schools during a lockdown because phone calls can disrupt safety procedures; it said the district may be able to text parents with updates.

In an evacuation students are instructed to leave belongings behind and follow staff to the evacuation location; adults and staff will do roll call to account for students. The district asked parents not to come to the school during an evacuation to keep roads clear for emergency response and to await official reunification notices.

Shelter protocols — used for hazards such as tornadoes, hazardous-materials incidents or earthquakes — may require students to move away from windows, drop-cover-and-hold, or be evacuated to a nearby shelter area depending on the event.

The district warned that ParentSquare messages and other communications may be delayed during incidents because responders must verify information; the district said delays are not intended to keep parents out of the loop but reflect the need to confirm details before sending updates.

"With the help of our standard response protocol and by working together as a community, we can help keep our children safe," the spokesperson said.

Parents should take no action unless they receive direct notification from the school, the district advised.