In October we will focus on safety across all schools in Framingham. October include National Fire Prevention Week, America's Safe Schools Week, and National Bus Safety Week. 

Dear FPS Families and Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well at the start of this school year. At Framingham Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are the highest priority. A safe learning environment is a shared responsibility and we are committed to taking proactive steps to prepare everyone for potential emergency situations.

We are excited to share with you that again this academic year, we are reviewing safety training lessons and drills for staff and students. These trainings were created in partnership and collaboration between the Departments of Health and Wellness and Department of Safety and Security, with valuable input from the Department of Special Education.

We are committed to making FPS a safe and inclusive learning environment. Your support and partnership in this endeavor are greatly appreciated.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or require further information about our safety initiatives. We look forward to working together to ensure a secure and nurturing school environment for all.

Warm regards,

The Departments of Health & Wellness and Safety & Security

 Students will engage in 3 lessons to support a common understanding of school safety. The lessons teach students in a trauma informed and developmentally appropriate way what to do during a stay in place, a lockdown, and an evacuation. This means that we approach the lessons in a way that makes kids and staff feel safe, especially if they’ve had previous exposure to dangerous experiences. Students will practice identifying their “Stay Safe Choices” and/or actions in the event that an unsafe person/people or animal is inside or outside. Lessons were created using the Safe and Sounds Schools Curriculum.

Lesson's will be delivered by classroom teachers with support staff pushing in as needed. Discussions on current events around school violence will not take place, rather if a student wants to discuss these events further, they will be referred to a support staff member.

Lesson Vocabulary

Evacuation: An evacuation might be used if there is an unsafe person, animal, fire, or other danger inside the school.

Lockdown: A lockdown might be used if there is an unsafe person or animal near the classroom. I a lock down doors are locked, sometimes might be turned off, sometimes shades are closed, and students are encouraged to spread out in the room.

Stay in Place: A stay in place may be used if someone is having a medical emergency and needs privacy or if the power goes out.

We believe that the combination of safety lessons, followed by announced safety drills, are crucial in equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate emergencies and make informed decisions.

Announced Safety Drills: Similar to how students practice evacuating the school buildings in case of fire, these announced (meaning we will tell students when the drill is happening and it is a practice/drill) safety drills are an opportunity to practice and prepare for various situations, which includes staying in place, locking down, and evacuating and further reinforce what is taught in the lessons.

• First 2 weeks of October: Lessons delivered to students
• October 7th- Alternative Activity Forms Due if Opting out of Drills
• Second 2 weeks of October: Announced drills occur at schools

If you choose to opt your child out of the safety drill, we kindly request that you complete the alternative activity form by October 7th, 2024. This will ensure that appropriate arrangements are made to accommodate your child's exemption from the safety drill and participation in an alternative safety lesson.

Please note that by opting for an alternative lesson, your child will only learn about stay in place, lockdown, and evacuate, with their teacher and class, but will not participate in any school-wide drills this year. 

We encourage you to discuss these important topics with your child at home to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to navigate a potential emergency.

Sesame School: School Safety Drills (English and Spanish)

Healthy Children.Org What Parents Need to Know (English and Spanish)

National Association of School Psychologists (English/ Spanish/ Portuguese)