Hold – SRP Specific Core Action
HOLD is announced when everyone should remain in place. A person(s) should stay in the classroom, or area they are in until the “All Clear” is announced. Hallways should be empty unless this is where the incident is occurring. The adults should close and lock the door while accounting for the students and visitors in the room. It should be business as usual for students and staff.
Once the incident is over and all clear is announced all classrooms and areas should open back up as is normal for the facility.
Examples of when a HOLD might be used:
- An altercation in the hallway.
- A maintenance operation still being worked on in a common area during class changes.
- A medical issue in an area.
- Someone vomited in the cafeteria.
- Some collapsed in the gym.
- A messaging strategy to relay important information.
- Administration message staff to read to students so everyone hears it at the same time.
- Prevent rumors from spreading especially with the speed of social media.
Who initiates a HOLD?
An administrator will typically initiate a Hold. However, anyone could potentially call for a Hold if they observe something requiring this action. The action should be repeated at least twice as people do not always hear announcements the first time. “Hold in your room or area. Clear the halls.” “Holdin your room or area. Clear the halls.” There may be a need for some students to move to another area where they can be supervised. Everyone should remain until the released via an announcement.
Who releases a HOLD?
A Hold action can be released by a Public Address system. “Students and staff, the Hold is released. All clear to resume daily activities and movement. Thank you for our cooperation.”
Parent Messaging After a HOLD:
Usually, it is sent after a Hold is cleared. However, if the Hold goes on for an extended period of time or it is happening close to release time, make sure to let the families know. Have a central digital platform that your public information team can easily update, and people can go to for information.
Example Notification to Parent(s):
NOTIFICATION THAT A HOLD OCCURRED
DURING THE DAY
Email
Subject Line: Safety Notification – Hold Ended at [School Name]
Dear Parent or Guardian,
[School Name] was placed in Hold from [start time] to [end time] due to [state the reason for the Hold].
As a precaution, students and staff were asked to remain in their classrooms in order to keep the hallways empty. Classroom learning continued throughout the
Hold, and all school operations have returned to normal. The safety and well-being of your child is our top priority. We will continue to keep you informed about important concerns at our school.
What is a Hold Action? *
* The Hold Action is used when the hallways in the school need to remain clear. Classroom learning will still take place as normal during a Hold, but students may not be able to change classes until after the Hold has been lifted.
For additional information download the SRP/SRM Operational Guide.