Reunification Plan
Our top priority in any emergency situation is the safety and security of students. One critical aspect of emergency response is an organized and accountable reunification of students with their parents/guardians in the event of a school crisis or emergency. As part of our Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), we have developed detailed evacuation and reunification plans for all of our school campuses. These plans have been shared with our staff and have been rehearsed by students and staff alike.
Parents/guardians are key partners in Reunification events. Guardians can ensure the success of reunification operations by reviewing the steps of the plan and discussing these steps with their student. In stressful situations like those that require reunification, prior discussion and review of the plan helps the process run more smoothly and reduces anxiety.
Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to follow the notifications sent to them or posted on social media. In order to receive these notifications, guardians must ensure their contact information in PowerSchool is correct.
Please do not respond to the school. The arrival of parents/guardians on campus may hamper the efforts of first responders and hinder reunification efforts.
Reunification Instructions for Parents and Guardians
In some circumstances, a Kent ISD school may require parents or guardians to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled and planned release. This process is called Reunification.
A Reunification may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazardous material spill or because a crisis occurred at the school. The Reunification process may occur at the school or at a designated site near the school. The following plan addresses what parents and guardians can expect when they arrive to pick up their student during Reunification.
Notification of a Reunification operation
Parents and guardians may be notified of a Reunification in a number of ways. Kent ISD uses a system to send notifications to students, guardians, and our staff concerning emergency situations. The system uses the email account and phone number in PowerSchool to send an email, text message, and telephone call to the parent or guardian listed. In order to receive these notifications, guardians must ensure their contact information in PowerSchool is correct.
In addition to direct communications, we may also post messages on Kent ISD and/or specific school social media platforms depending on the circumstances of the incident. Follow our social media accounts, so you can be assured of having this connection if an emergency occurs:
- Kent ISD Facebook
- Kent ISD X (formerly Twitter)
- Kent Career Tech Center Facebook
- MySchool@Kent Facebook
Reunification at school
There are a variety of situations that may require students to be dismissed from school before the end of the school day. In most instances, parents/guardians will reunify with students at school after being notified via School Messenger, and possibly Kent ISD social media, where specifically they should report to pick up their student at the school.
Reunification for students who drive
Students who drive to school will be allowed to leave the school or campus with their vehicle when possible. Students will be expected to contact their guardian and go directly to their residence. There may be instances where students will not be allowed to remove a vehicle from the school parking lot. In these cases, guardians will need to go to the school or Reunification Site to pick up their student.
Activation of a Reunification Site
Situations may arise in which reuniting parents/guardians with their students at the school is not a safe option. In these situations, parents and guardians will be directed to a Reunification Site near the school. Guardians will be notified of this location via School Messenger text, email and phone call. At the Reunification Site, Kent ISD will implement a formalized and controlled process of accounting for and releasing students.
At the Reunification Site
There are three very important things for parents/guardians to remember:
- Please remain calm and patient. The situation that led to the activation of the Reunification is already stressful for everyone involved and your patience is vital to maintaining a smooth operation.
- Parents/guardians will be required to show picture identification to pick up their student.
- Students will not be released to a person unless that person is listed as a “Parent/Guardian” or an “Emergency Contact” in PowerSchool.
If a parent/guardian cannot immediately pick up their student
If a guardian cannot go to the Reunification Site, their student will be released to individuals previously identified as emergency contacts. If an emergency contact has not been designated, staff will attempt to coordinate for other arrangements for the release of the student.
Responding to media requests
Members of the media may be at the Reunification Site and will be directed to a ‘media area’ away from where students and guardians are reuniting. However, some reporters may approach you for an interview. You are within your rights to not participate in an interview if you so wish.
On-Campus Reunification
Depending on the situation, a reunification may occur at the school. This is an option if the campus is safe and reunification operations will not interfere with an investigation or other emergency responses.
Off-Campus Reunification
If it is not safe to remain on campus, or when parents coming to the school could create an additional hazard, reunification operations will be set up off-campus. All Kent ISD-operated schools have designated evacuation and reunification sites that are familiar to building administrators and staff. In the event of an off-campus reunification operation, parents/guardians will be notified via text, email and phone call, the location of the reunification site. Notifications may also be made via Kent ISD and/or school-specific social media accounts.
