Frequently Asked Questions

Mayfield Independent Schools

Safety Related Frequently Asked Questions

What types of crises are we talking about?

What types of training does the district do to help prepare for these crisis situations?

We meet about every six weeks
We discuss topics such as what supplies we need to have on hand, how to make sure those supplies stay up to date and in well known locations, we go over evacuation plans and communication plans to make sure they are always fresh on our minds and are still applicable for each scenario, we make sure our school buildings have necessary safety features and equipment, etc.
We do regular walkthroughs with local first responders
We review safety teams and the processes they are to implement at the onset of a variety of crisis situations.
We have communication teams, first aid teams, evacuation teams, etc. that will get into place as quickly as possible and start working together to help our students.

What are your priorities in any crisis event?

Note, although the priorities below are in order, we have multiple teams working on each priority at the same time, as we understand time is of the essence for our students, their families and ourselves.
Priority one: we will do whatever we have to to protect your students and respond to their needs
Priority two: we will work with law enforcement and first responders to secure the area
Priority three: we will gather accurate information about the entire situation
Priority four: we will communicate that information to you so you can plan accordingly in the best interest of your children and be reunited with them as quickly as possible.
Priority five: we will follow up with families in the hours and days after the event to ensure everyone is OK and provide resources and/or determine next steps, if needed.

How will I know about the incident to begin with?

How long will it take me to find out about the incident, if it isn’t a natural disaster?

If the answer to the questions above is “no”, we will have to search for any available method to communicate and that could take some time, but rest assured we have a whole team devoted to communication and they will be engaged as quickly as possible.
If the answer to the above questions is “yes”, then communications should come swiftly, but we will still need a little time to gather accurate information. We will release information when we are sure we have accurate facts so that we don’t cause unnecessary panic or anxiety.

What are some options for being reunited with students?

How will I know where to go, if an evacuation is necessary?

The evacuation site will be determined immediately after the incident occurs and you will be notified via a phone call from the school.

Why will you wait and determine the evacuation site after the event has occurred?

The safety of our students will most likely depend on it.
In the event of a weather event or other natural disaster or environmental disaster, we will have to make sure there is a safe path to travel to the evacuation site, and that the structure is safe to house our students.
In the event of an active aggressor/active shooter, we will want to make sure the evacuation site can be secured and is safe to transport students to.

What if my child calls or texts me, scared?

Be supportive, try to be calm, even if it is hard to do.
Remind them the schools have been preparing in case these things happen and we have a plan to get them back with you as quickly as possible
Remind them if it feels like it’s taking a long time that we have to put safety first, and that may actually slow things down.
Encourage them to be aware of their surroundings. What can they see, hear, smell? Think of ways to help them respond accordingly.
If they indicate there is an active aggressor/shooter, consider what they are telling you and if need be, remind them to stay still and quiet so as not to draw attention to themselves.
If they indicate they are trapped somewhere after a weather event or natural disaster, and you feel it is in their best interest, tell them to make noise so they can be found.
If you can’t get through to 911 or the school, rest assured it’s because we are getting inundated with calls and we know what’s going on.
We have plans in place to account for every student as soon as possible.

Can I believe everything I hear/read on social media or other internet venues?

Definitely not! Unfortunately rumors spread very rapidly and it is hard for us to get out ahead of them.
Sadly, misinformation is real and leads to undue stress/anxiety
It takes us a few minutes to gather accurate information, but once it is sent out in a call, posted to our website and/or posted on our Facebook page (Mayfield Independent Schools-Official”, it is factual and you can go there for accurate information.

Why do some of your communications seem so vague?

We are dealing with minors, so many times names and/or details can’t be released to protect the safety and privacy of the family.
If safety is an issue, divulging too much information publicly could give those trying to do harm enough information to, in fact, do more harm!

What can I do to make sure I’m part of the safety solution for my child at Mayfield Independent Schools?

Keep phone numbers and emergency contacts/pick up permissions current in Infinite Campus. Call your child’s school immediately when something changes so we know who can pick up your children and how to contact you and/or other emergency contacts.

Remember the place you are going to pick your child up (reunification site), may not be the site of the incident. There is a high chance, it won’t be. We need to keep the incident site free from traffic as much as possible so first responders can get in to help those that need help, which could include urgent life-saving measures. We will communicate the reunification location to you and will need you, or your designee to get there as soon as possible.
Remember, unless circumstances render it impossible, for the safety of your children, we will keep them for you until someone with a photo ID comes to pick them up and has been given permission by you to pick them up. We will look for those names in Infinite Campus, if possible.
Remember where to find accurate information so you can help us spread accurate information. (Calls, Website, Social Media/Facebook Page)
Don’t spread “hear say” or false information that could add undue stress or anxiety during an already stressful time.
Know we are parents/grandparents too. We all want to be reunited with our families as bad as you do! In the moment, trust first responders and our faculty & staff that have been trained to handle these situations and follow our requests in our communications, knowing those requests aren’t being made without thought and reason.