Highline is launching a new safety plan, called the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), on April 14 that uses easy-to-understand language and clear steps for any situation—big or small. This ensures everyone knows what to do, whether it’s a minor issue, a safety precaution or an emergency.
There are five safety actions staff or law enforcement may use to keep students and staff safe: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter. In this system, terms like “Modified Lockdown” are replaced with specific actions like “Hold” or “Secure.”
Here’s what students and staff will do, how families will be kept informed—and what families may need to do:
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HOLD
Students and staff stay in classrooms to keep hallways clear—for example, if someone needs medical attention.
- Family Action: No action unless told otherwise.
- How You’ll Know: After-school notification via email and app alert* if incident impacts daily operations. If you don’t get a notification, it means the incident was minor and not a safety concern.
SECURE
Students and staff stay inside due to nearby activity, like police activity in the neighborhood. The building remains locked.
- Family Action: No action unless told otherwise.
- How You’ll Know: After-school notification via email and app alert* if incident impacts daily operations.
LOCKDOWN
Students and staff lock doors, turn off lights, and stay out of sight when there’s a suspected threat inside or very close to the building.
- Family Action: Monitor notifications and follow instructions.
- How You’ll Know: Updates provided as needed via email, text, call and app alert*. Communication will continue as the incident progresses.
EVACUATE
Students and staff leave the building—like during a fire alarm or suspected gas leak.
- Family Action: No action unless told otherwise.
- How You’ll Know: After-school notification once the incident is resolved. Updates provided as needed.
SHELTER
Students and staff move to a safe place in the building, often due to natural events like an earthquake.
- Family Action: Monitor notifications and follow instructions.
- How You’ll Know: Notification once the incident is resolved or as needed.
Other Safety Communication
SAFETY FYI
There’s no emergency, but we want students, families and staff to be aware of a concern—like a social media rumor or report of concerning behavior close to campus.
- Family Action: Talk with your child and avoid spreading unverified information.
- How You’ll Know: After-school notification. No follow-up unless new, actionable information emerges.
REUNIFICATION
In some situations, you may need to pick up your child from a designated location. You’ll get clear instructions if this happens.
Families will get updates as needed—by email, text, phone call or app notification. If the situation affects the school day, we’ll notify you after school unless immediate action is required.
Keep your contact info updated and sign up for text alerts at highlineschools.org/safety.
Working together helps keep students safe and families informed.
*Notifications depend on the preferences you select in ParentSquare.