1. DEATH OF A STUDENT/STAFF MEMBER

2. In the event of a death:
Springdale School District has implemented Building Level Safety Teams.
This group consists of: principals, secretaries, support staff, counselors, school nurses and parents.
These individuals will be contacted first.

3. PREVENTION OF A STUDENT/STAFF MEMBER DEATH

4. Prevention
Post a list of CPR- and first-aid-trained staff in your building.
Keep a medical card for students/staff members on file in office.
Document troubled students referred to school counselor and principal.
Make counseling services available to students and staff members.
Know school resource officer and be aware of his/her duties.

5. Prevention (con’t)
Physicals and emergency information for athletes and spirit groups should be available at all times through the coaching staff.
Document injury incidents with the accident and injury report. Send reports to the safety coordinator.
Know how to administer student medication on field trips.
Follow the “Safety Action Plan.”
A student handbook should be given to all students. Parents must sign that they received a copy of the school rules.

6. Prevention (con’t)
Provide staff and parents with other community resources for counseling.
Provide mentoring programs for students.
Make information available to parents/guardians concerning before and after school programs for students.
Conduct Red Ribbon activities throughout the school year.

7. Prevention (con’t)
Train office staff to properly administer student medication.
Initiate parent involvement programs.
Conduct routine searches for weapons and drugs.
Provide two-way radios for recess duty personnel and physical education teachers.
Conduct drills to prepare students and staff for potential crisis.

8. Training Awareness 911/Crisis Report Form
Train an adequate number of staff members in CPR and first-aid. Post a list of trained personnel in the building.
Provide training for personnel administering medication.
Keep all medication and first-aid supplies in a locked and secured area.
Provide training for violence prevention and conflict resolution.

9. Training Awareness (con’t)
Provide a medical card for all staff to be kept in the school office.
Provide teachers, office personnel, and administrators with information regarding the health needs of students.

10. Crisis Response
In the event of the death of a student or staff member, the principal shall implement the phone tree to inform superintendent and faculty of the situation and the time/place of a faculty meeting.

11. Crisis Response The principal shall also:
1. Fill out 911/Crisis Report
2. Activate and meet with crisis team members.
3. Follow the Safety Action Plan (flip chart).
4. Ensure that all faculty members are aware of the incident.
5. Share the facts surrounding the incident so that faculty can dispel rumors.
6. Announce any special schedule and/or events of the day.

12. STUDENT OR STAFF MEMBER
DEATH OF A
STUDENT OR STAFF MEMBER
AWAY FROM SCHOOL

13. Procedures Follow Safety Action Plan (flip chart).
Whenever possible, the principal, counseling coordinator, and building counselor shall meet with the crisis team prior to meeting with the faculty. A statement will be prepared and given to each teacher to share with his/her class when appropriate.
Do not allow visitors to wander through the school. All visitors should be directed to the office.

14. Procedures (con’t)
A designated room shall be made available and shall be staffed with trained counselors for as long as needed.
Students who appear extremely upset should be escorted to the designated room or to the counselor’s office.
If students are restless, the teacher should provide an activity that will redirect their attention.

15. Procedures (con’t)
A staff meeting may be called to discuss events of the day and share any new or additional information.
The principal and/or counselor shall determine when a home visit should be made and who should go.
Additional resources (i.e. counselors, school nurses, etc.) shall be contacted as needed.

16. Procedures (con’t)
Leave the student’s belongings intact for an appropriate amount of time.
Meet with the classroom of deceased child.
Counselor should be available to advise parents of related concerns.

17. STUDENT OR STAFF MEMBER
DEATH OF A
STUDENT OR STAFF MEMBER
AT SCHOOL

18. Procedures
1. Call 911 and notify SRO (Student Resource Officer). Complete 911/Crisis Report.
2. In the event of the sudden death of an individual on the school premises, the principal, authorities (police or sheriff), counselor, superintendent, and parents should be notified immediately. Announce “Bus 98” or “Bus 99” as appropriate and activate the Safety Action Plan.
3. Close off and secure the area immediately surrounding the individual. Nothing should be touched, moved, or removed until authorities arrive.

19. Procedures (con’t)
4. If in a classroom, students are to be directed to another room.
5. If in a hallway, lobby, common area, or outside the building, the immediate surroundings are blocked off and students are directed away from the area.
6. The principal, or a designee, should make contact with emergency personnel and maintain a line of communication with them.

20. Procedures (con’t)
7. Crisis team members should be contacted. If available, members can assist with the direction of onlookers and emergency personnel. Team members can also assist with any other individuals who may be immediately affected by the situation.
8. All media contacts should be referred to the superintendent’s office ( ).
9. Any statement that goes home should be approved by the superintendent’s office.

21. EVALUATION
&
FOLLOW-UP

22. Evaluation/Follow-up
Review the 911/Crisis Report
After an immediate crisis has been resolved, the principal and counselor shall meet to evaluate the situation and decide on an appropriate role for the school to take in assisting the student(s).
The counselor will remain in close contact with the student and will be the liaison between student, parent/guardian, school, and any involved community agencies.

23. Evaluation/Follow-up (con’t)
Teachers directly involved with the death, will be assisted in appropriately dealing with the loss.
Referral sources will be provided to the parent/guardian. (Failure to provide professional support may result in school officials reporting negligence to the DHS.)
Confidentiality shall be maintained throughout the procedures unless the safety of the student is at stake.