What is HOLD?

HOLD is part of the Standard Response Protocol, which InTech engages in to manage school emergencies.

In HOLD, all are instructed to stay in a classroom or area and clear the hallways. 

Students are trained to:

• Clear the hallways and remain in their classroom until the “All Clear” is announced
• Do business/class as usual

Adults and staff are trained to:

• Close and lock the door
• Account for students and adults
• Do business/class as usual

What situations may trigger a HOLD?

Any of the following may initiate a HOLD action:

• A medical issue where the hallways need to be kept clear for first responders.
• An altercation in the hallway.
• Any situation where the hallways need to be clear.

Can I pick up my child?

During an emergency, we ask parents and guardians not to come to the school immediately.  Emergency responders need unrestricted access to the building and surrounding areas to ensure everyone’s safety.  Arriving at the school before the situation is resolved may interfere with these efforts.

Once the situation is stabilized, we will communicate instructions for safely picking up your child.  The information will be shared through mass text and email messaging.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep all students safe.

How do I communicate with the school?

In the event of an emergency, our foremost priority is the safety and security of all students and staff. While we understand that you may be eager for information, please know that our staff will be fully engaged in managing the situation according to the Standard Response Protocol.

During such times, especially at the start of an emergency response, immediate communication from the school may be limited.  We kindly ask for your patience and understanding.  Rest assured that we will provide updates to parents and guardians as soon as it is safe and practical to do so through mass Text and Email notifications.
Please avoid calling the school directly. Our phone lines need to be kept open for communication with emergency responders.  Do stay near your phone to receive our mass notifications and check your email.

What’s the best way to communicate with my child?

Texting! During a school emergency, the best communication method with your child will be via texting, not a phone call.  Students are trained that it is okay to text home during an emergency.  Texting also keeps the cell towers available for emergency responders to communicate effectively.

How can I stay updated?

Stay near your phone and check your email.  We will utilize our mass text and email notification system to update everyone as soon as possible and as it’s safe to do so.  Please avoid calling the school, as our phone lines need to remain open for communication with emergency personnel.  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

When can I expect an update?

In an emergency, our foremost priority is the safety and security of all students and staff. While we understand that you may be eager for information, please know that our staff will be fully engaged in managing the situation according to the Standard Response Protocol.

During such times, especially at the start of an emergency response, immediate communication from the school may be limited.  We kindly ask for your patience and understanding.  Rest assured that we will provide updates to parents and guardians as soon as it is safe and practical to do so through mass Text and Email notifications.  

Our goal is to establish additional communication within 15-20 minutes of the start of the emergency, but that is highly dependent on the situation.

Please avoid calling the school directly. Our phone lines need to be kept open for communication with emergency responders.  Do stay near your phone to receive our mass notifications and check your email.

Why am I hearing from my student before the school?

During an emergency, our first priority is the safety and security of all students and staff. Our staff will be fully engaged in managing the situation according to the Standard Response Protocol. Communication with the public is our next step once the situation is stabilized.

Additionally, we train students that it’s okay to text home as long as it is safe for them to do so.  Texting allows loved ones to stay in contact with each other through a silent medium and also keeps the cell towers free for emergency responders to communicate effectively.

Why are teachers on their phones during these procedures?

Teachers send and receive updates to our command center during an emergency from their cell phone and/or radio.  This allows us to synchronize our responses, account for all students and adults, and get the appropriate help if needed where it’s needed.