York School District 1 outlines standard response protocol, reunification sites and new wearable alert system

Presenter opened a staff training by describing the district’s use of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), a five‑action, action‑based system—Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter—meant to give staff and students consistent instructions in emergencies. “The standard response protocol is an action‑based response to any given situation,” the presenter said, explaining that each action pairs with a specific directive (for example, Hold = remain in your room; Secure = get inside and lock outside doors).

The training also reviewed the Standard Reunification Method. The presenter said the district will use predesignated reunification sites, mobilize buses, and communicate with families via ParentSquare. Reunification roles will include greeters, checkers, reunifiers and accountants; parents will present photo ID, receive a tear‑off reunification card and be reunited after staff verify the student roster.

Because the district lies inside the Catawba Nuclear Station evacuation zone, the presenter named alternate reunification locations and transportation contingency plans. He said: Harold C. Johnson Elementary, Hunter Street Elementary, Pinckney Street Learning Center and York Comprehensive High School will reunify at Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary School (4901 Hickory Grove Road, Hickory Grove). Cotton Belt and Jefferson Elementary will reunify at Sharon Community Center (3716 Woodlawn Street, Sharon). Inner York Intermediate and York Bridal will use Mount Vernon United Methodist Church (2160 Smithville Road, Hickory Grove). Students not picked up after four hours will be bused to the American Red Cross location at Blacksburg High School (201 West Ramier Drive, Blacksburg, South Carolina), the presenter said.

The presenter listed state‑required drills the district must run each year: two secure drills and two lockdown drills (one per semester each; the second lockdown to be unannounced and coordinated with law enforcement), monthly fire drills coordinated with York Fire Department, one bomb‑threat drill per year, one earthquake drill during awareness week and one tornado drill during severe‑weather week. He said some unannounced drills will target secondary schools.

On operational changes for the coming school year, the presenter said the district will try to keep visitors in secure lobbies whenever possible, maintain interior classroom door window coverings during lockdowns, and keep exterior doors closed and never propped. “A closed and locked door is the safest way to operate,” he said, announcing that classroom doors will be kept closed and locked at all times going forward.

The presenter closed the session by announcing a districtwide rollout of a wearable safety platform from Syntegix called Scribe Alert. He said the lanyard badge will offer a three‑click administrative assist for non‑emergencies (for example, fights or medical assistance) and a seven‑click activation that initiates a full lockdown and notifies police and district administrators. The presenter said districts that piloted similar devices reported staff frequently used the three‑click feature for administrative help and that users reported feeling safer.

The training emphasized planning and situational awareness. The presenter urged staff to identify classroom exits, secondary exits, and improvised items that could be used to barricade or defend if necessary, and to rehearse reunification and accounting procedures.

What happens next: the presenter said the district will phase in the Scribe Alert platform as schools come online with the system and will communicate reunification sites and procedures via ParentSquare and social media.