Committed to Safety  

Cave Creek Unified School district and its eight schools are committed to creating a safe and secure environment for learning. To this end, each school within the District, as well as the District Office, has crisis management guidelines and a comprehensive plan designed to inform staff and students of what to do in the event of a crisis. The plans are based on the State of Arizona's School Effectiveness School Safety and Security Plans. The District's Crisis Manual contains vital information necessary to assist in any emergency situation. In addition to the manual, each school and the District Office have Crisis Response Teams that are mobilized in the event of an emergency to assist in providing information to the students, staff, families and community. Fire and lockdown drills are practiced regularly at each site to ensure that routines and safety procedures are well established and familiar to all. Parents/guardians can expect effective and efficient information communicated in a timely manner regarding school-related situations that may occur on campus. 
 
In the event of a school or District emergency, parents will be notified in the following ways:

• With a message sent home in the school newsletter;
• With a special parent advisory sent home from the school; and or
• With a call and message from our emergency messaging system.

If you have questions or concerns contact Gina Durbin at gdurbin@ccusd93.org or 480-575-2026.

Alert Recall 

Students are aware of the activities that are taking place on their campuses but many times are reluctant to share that information with adults due to the fact that they fear reprisal or being labeled. Alert is an acronym for "Always Let Experts Respond Timely", the program is designed to empower students with the freedom to disseminate information about negative activities that are occurring on their campuses while At the same time it protects them by keeping their identities confidential. The result is a comprehensive program which encompasses the extensive knowledge of experienced law enforcement professionals, educators, administrators and community resource specialists who are dedicated to the betterment of the lives of young people in our society.

Click on the picture for more information and to place an alert. Follow the instructions at the Place an Alert Tab.

Dealing with Crisis

The aftermath of any crisis continues long after the immediate event is over. Parents and teachers must work together to help students cope with a number of issues simultaneously. Below are some resources that provide information about some of these challenges. Click on the links for further information.

• Helping children deal with tragic events -The National Association of School Psychologists - Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Parents and Teachers
• Talking with children about peace and tolerance - The National Association of School Psychologists - A National Tragedy: Promoting Tolerance and Peace in Children - Tips for Parents and Schools  
• Safe schools and springtime stress - National Association of School Psychologists     
• Helping students deal with violence - The National Association of School Psychologists - Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
• Helping children cope with trauma - The National Association of School Psychologists - How Children Cope with Trauma and Ongoing Threat: The Basic Ph Model: Information for Parents and Teachers
• Strategies to Help Survive Painful Times - Annemarie M. Bezold, LCSW Grief Program, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
• Help for Adults - The National Association of School Psychologists - Helping Children Cope with Crisis: Care for Caregivers

Our counselors tell us that all adults-parents, teachers, and administrators-who are working with students must also take care of themselves. Here are some tips our counselors have given us:

• Read about stress and human responses to stress. Understand that what you are feeling is normal.
• Give yourself time to regain your perspective.
• Join with other community members to help victims.
• Talk about your feelings with friends and family. Seek comfort.
• Call a professional if you are feeling strong reactions.

If you have questions about your child or about your school's safety and support responses, please contact your principal. Everyone in CCUSD continues to work to make all our schools safe and secure environments for all our students.