ASD Families,

At the start of this school year, we introduced new emergency response protocols from The “I Love U Guys” Foundation. These include the Standard Response Protocols (SRPs) and the Standard Reunification Method (SRM).

Since the start of the school year, some schools have already used SRPs during real situations. Everything was handled safely, but I’ve heard from families who want more clarity about what the new terms mean.

The SRPs are designed to keep things simple: five plain-language actions. Below, you’ll find those five actions with examples of how they work in schools.

The Five SRP Actions

HOLD – “In Your Room or Area. Clear the Halls.”
A Hold is used when it is safest to keep students in their classrooms while the hallways are cleared.

Example: A student or staff has a medical emergency in the hallway, and paramedics need clear access.

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SECURE – “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors.”
A Secure is called when there is a safety concern outside the building.

• Example: Wildlife, such as a moose or bear, is the playground.
• Example: Police are responding to an incident nearby in the  neighborhood.
• Example: Someone is on school property who should not be there. 

During a Secure, classes continue inside as normal, but all exterior doors are locked and monitored.

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LOCKDOWN – “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight.”
A Lockdown is used when there is a threat inside the building. Students and staff move quickly out of sight, remain silent, and doors are locked.

• Example: A violent intruder enters the school.
• Example: A dangerous situation develops within the building that requires immediate protection.

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EVACUATE – “To the Announced Location.”
An Evacuate is called when everyone needs to leave the building or area.

• Example: A fire alarm or gas leak.
• Example: Structural damage to part of the building.

Staff lead students to a designated safe location outside.

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SHELTER – “For a Hazard Using a Safety Strategy.”
A Shelter is used when it is safer to stay inside and take protective action.

Example: During an earthquake, students Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
 

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Why the Change?

From 2016 until last school year, ASD used the ALICE program for emergency response. The shift to I Love U Guys SRPs was based on several factors:

• Uses clear, plain language that is easier for students and staff to follow
• Reduces drill fatigue by streamlining the number of required drills each year
• Aligns with national best practices, and all of the resources are free
• Already adopted by more than 50,000 schools and organizations, including the Department of Defense Education Activity worldwide and state education departments in New York, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Michigan, South Dakota, Delaware, and Virginia
• When ASD reviewed protocols, the SRPs were strongly recommended by:
  • Police and security departments within the Council of Great City Schools
  • The City of Cordova School District and Cordova Emergency Management, which already use these protocols

 What’s Next?

• All ASD schools are now using SRPs and SRM.
• Staff and students will continue to receive training and support.
• Families will see ongoing communication throughout the year to keep you informed and prepared.
   

Safety is our top priority at ASD. We are in the middle of a multi-year project to improve security across our schools, and these new protocols are a central part of that work. Emergencies can be unpredictable, but SRPs give us a clear and consistent way to respond rooted in best practices.

Thank you for sharing your feedback, which helps us continue to improve. Together, we are building schools that are safe, welcoming, and prepared, so every student can focus on learning with confidence.

For more information, visit the ASD Office of Emergency Management site.

Sincerely,
Dr.  Jharrett Bryantt
Superintendent, Anchorage School District