Before classes began yesterday moring, September 5, 2024, Santa Teresa Middle School followed protocols putting the school into “Secure” mode. Students who had already arrived on site were secured, while some parents dropping off students were turned away until the police could establish an “all clear” for the school.
Source: Gadsden ISD Press Conference
A call was received by the Sunland Park Police Department detailing a person in a “black shirt and khaki pants” posed a threat to the school. The administration was unable to substantiate the claims made in the phone call, a process made more difficult by the fact that the school uniform for STMS consists of a black shirt with khaki pants. There are between 400 and 500 students on campus when classes are in session, but the call came in while many students were still in the dropoff line.
Administrators immediately sent out a notice via “Remind” to parents, letting them know to remain away from the school for the time being.
“Any report in this day and age, any report of that nature, we are going to take seriously,” said Gadsden ISD Superintendent Travis Dempsey. “And safety is, I know it’s inconvenient, but convenience and safety don’t usually go to together, so we’re going to err on the side of safety.”
The building was given the “all clear” by Sunland Park Police Department, and notice was sent to parents and the community that the effort to return to normal business had begun [see “Announcement”, below]. The immediate focus was on making sure the students had breakfast, and the hope was to be back on track early that afternoon.
No specific details about the call or the threat were provided.
Sunland Park Police Department is a part of the SRO team at the school, and they will be continuing to pursue an explanation for the call. No arrests have been made. Superintendent Dempsey had nothing but glowing statements regarding the relationship the schools have with the Sunland Park Police Department, going so far as to saying the department exemplifies “community-based law enforcement”.
Gadsden ISD has a set protocol to handle situations like this, and the “Standard Response Protocols” have been provided below the “Announcement”.
Watch the Press Conference, here:
Announcement
We are pleased to inform the community that the “Secure” status at Santa Teresa Middle School has been lifted. Staff and students have safely resumed their normal operations for the remainder of the school day.
At this time, we do not have additional information to share, other than that the security concern was based on an unsubstantiated report. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Sunland Park Police Department for their prompt and professional response to the situation. Their swift action ensured that our school remained safe and secure. Additionally, we commend the Gadsden Independent School District Security Department and the administration at Santa Teresa Middle School for their excellent handling of the situation, working diligently to maintain a calm and safe environment for all.
Thank you to our parents, students, and community for your understanding, cooperation, and continued support during this time.
Standard Response Protocols
Standard Response Protocols (SRP) are a set of actions designed to ensure clear communication and safety during emergency situations in schools and other public places. These protocols help standardize responses to various incidents, ensuring that staff, students, and first responders know how to react.
“Hold” is used when hallways need to remain clear, but the situation does not pose an immediate threat to people in the building. The action is to “stay in your room or area and clear the halls.” Students and staff remain in classrooms or designated areas, continuing activities until the hold is lifted.
“Secure” (Lockout) is used when there is a threat or danger outside the building. The action is to “get inside and lock outside doors.” Students and staff stay inside while exterior doors are secured, and normal activities can continue inside the building.
“Lockdown” is used when there is an immediate threat inside the building. The action is “locks, lights, out of sight.” Students and staff secure themselves in rooms, turn off lights, and remain quiet, hidden from view. No one leaves the room until first responders clear the area.
“Evacuate” is used when students and staff need to leave the building for safety reasons. The action is to “move to a designated location.” Students and staff exit in an orderly fashion and move to a specific safe location outside or away from the building.
“Shelter” is used when there is a need for protection from a hazard, such as severe weather or a chemical spill. The action is to “take shelter in a safe location.” Students and staff follow safety procedures based on the type of hazard (e.g., moving to storm shelter areas).
Los Protocolos de Respuesta Estándar
Los Protocolos de Respuesta Estándar (SRP) son un conjunto de acciones diseñadas para garantizar una comunicación clara y la seguridad durante situaciones de emergencia en las escuelas y otros lugares públicos. Estos protocolos ayudan a estandarizar las respuestas a diversos incidentes, asegurando que el personal, los estudiantes y los primeros respondedores sepan cómo reaccionar.
“Mantenerse” se usa cuando es necesario mantener los pasillos despejados, pero la situación no representa una amenaza inmediata para las personas en el edificio. La acción es “quedarse en su salón o área y despejar los pasillos.” Estudiantes y personal permanecen en los salones o áreas designadas y continúan con sus actividades hasta que se levante la orden de mantenerse.
“Asegurar” (Lockout) se usa cuando hay una amenaza o peligro fuera del edificio. La acción es “entrar al edificio y cerrar las puertas exteriores.” Estudiantes y personal permanecen dentro del edificio mientras se aseguran las puertas exteriores, y las actividades normales pueden continuar dentro del edificio.
“Cierre” se usa cuando hay una amenaza inmediata dentro del edificio. La acción es “cerrar con llave, apagar las luces y ocultarse de la vista.” Estudiantes y personal se aseguran en los salones, apagan las luces y permanecen en silencio, ocultos de la vista. Nadie debe salir del salón hasta que los respondedores despejen el área.
“Evacuar” se usa cuando los estudiantes y el personal deben salir del edificio por razones de seguridad. La acción es “moverse a una ubicación designada.” Estudiantes y personal salen de manera ordenada y se dirigen a un lugar seguro fuera o lejos del edificio.
“Refugiarse” se usa cuando es necesario protegerse de un peligro, como clima severo o un derrame químico. La acción es “refugiarse en un lugar seguro.” Estudiantes y personal siguen los procedimientos de seguridad según el tipo de peligro (por ejemplo, moverse a áreas designadas como refugios en caso de tormenta).
