Safety
School Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility
At the Chula Vista Elementary School District, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. The district maintains comprehensive Emergency Action Plans for situations including earthquakes, fires, medical emergencies, severe weather, active threats, and other critical incidents.
All school staff members are assigned specific emergency response roles and receive ongoing training to ensure a coordinated, effective response during emergencies. Emergency procedures are practiced regularly throughout the school year to help students and staff respond calmly and safely in a variety of situations.
In partnership with local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency responders, and neighboring school districts, CVESD continuously reviews and strengthens its safety procedures and preparedness efforts.
Districtwide Safety Measures
CVESD has implemented the following safety measures across all school sites to support secure learning environments:
- All staff utilize AEGIX, a comprehensive incident response platform that allows schools to quickly communicate, coordinate, and alert emergency responders during critical situations.
- Every school site is equipped with security camera systems to support campus monitoring and enhance school safety.
-
Board Policy BP 3515.1, Campus Access and Safety, requires parents/guardians to check in through the district’s visitor management system (Raptor) to accompany their child to the designated morning drop-off area or escort them to their classroom. Parents/guardians must proceed directly to and from these designated areas and exit campus by the first bell.
- Schools conduct regular safety drills throughout the year, including:
- Evacuation drills
- Lockdown drills
- Secure campus procedures
- Shelter-in-place drills
- Bus evacuation drills
- Each school maintains an active School Safety Committee and School Site Council that annually reviews and updates the Comprehensive School Safety Plan to ensure alignment with current safety practices and site-specific needs.
Student Release During Emergencies
During emergencies, school staff members will remain on duty until all students have been safely reunited with a parent, guardian, or authorized emergency contact listed on the student’s Emergency Information Card.
For student safety:
- Students will only be released to individuals listed on the Emergency Information Card.
- Proper government-issued photo identification is required.
- No exceptions will be made during emergency situations.
Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to keep all emergency contact information up to date at their child’s school.
How Families Can Help During a Critical Incident
Families play an important role in school emergency preparedness and response. Parents and guardians can support school safety by following these important guidelines:
Keep Emergency Information Updated
Ensure that all phone numbers, emergency contacts, and medical information are accurate and up to date with your child’s school office.
Use Text Messaging During Emergencies
During emergencies, phone systems may become overloaded. Text messaging is often the most reliable form of communication and helps keep phone lines open for emergency responders.
Do Not Come to Campus Unless Directed
Parents and guardians should not come to school sites during an active emergency unless instructed to do so by school officials or law enforcement. Arriving at a school site may:
- Interfere with emergency operations
- Delay first responders
- Create additional safety risks
During lockdowns or active police activity, campuses will remain secured, and staff will not be able to answer doors or release students until authorities determine it is safe.
Follow Official Information Sources
Please rely on official district communications, law enforcement updates, and school administrators for accurate information during emergencies.
Be Mindful on Social Media
To protect student and campus safety, families are asked not to post specific details, photos, or live information about emergency situations on social media.
Emergency Reunification Process
The student reunification process is designed to ensure every child is safely matched with an authorized adult. While this process may take time during large-scale emergencies, these procedures are essential to maintaining student safety and accountability.
School staff members are trained in emergency reunification procedures and will guide families through the process as efficiently and safely as possible.
Preparedness Starts at Home
Emergency preparedness begins with family conversations and planning. Parents and guardians are encouraged to:
- Create a family emergency plan
- Build a home emergency kit
- Practice fire evacuation procedures
- Review earthquake safety procedures such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”
- Talk with children about how to respond calmly during emergencies
Helping children understand emergency procedures can reduce anxiety and increase confidence during unexpected situations.