Standard Reunification Method

Should an emergency situation arise within Chaparral Star Academy while school is in session, the school will activate its Student and Family Reunification operation according to the Standard Reunification Method (SRM), and parental cooperation is essential to its success.

The Standard Reunification Method (SRM) is a process used in certain situations, for example, when severe weather, hazardous material (hazmat) spill, power outage, or an active threat causes the need for students to be picked up in a different location, or different way than on a typical day. The SRM was developed by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation, to fill the need for a safe, orderly, and accountable way for parents and guardians to be reunified with their children in a school emergency or school closing.

Accountable reunification of children with their families is a top priority, both for parents and for schools.

Depending on the emergency or crisis, the reunification site may be near the school campus, or it may be at a location further from the school to ensure the safety of the students. For example, in an active threat, such as an active shooter or bomb threat, the reunification site may be down the road from the school, such as a fire station, community center, or church. In the case of widespread flooding, the reunification site may be on the other side of the city.

One of the greatest challenges during an emergency situation is managing traffic flow and incoming phone calls from concerned parents and others. Traffic jams and overloaded phone lines prevent emergency responders (police, fire, and medical personnel) from providing services in a timely manner.

Parents should be aware that only emergency personnel will be allowed to enter a campus during crisis situations so they should not come to the school during an emergency event. During critical incidents, there may be some delay in the time between moving students from CSA to a reunification location and law enforcement may need to complete specific tasks before CSA can move forward with this as well.

Parents will be instructed to respond directly to a reunification and/or information site where CSA administrators will provide you information on how to reconnect with your child.

Students will only be released to parents and persons identified on the School District Emergency Card, with information retrieved from Ascender Parent Portal. CSA parents should keep this information accurate and updated and discuss these matters with their child(ren).