Standard Response Protocol - New Safety Language

In December 2024, the State of Michigan passed new legislation (HB 4095 and 4096) that requires all schools in Michigan to adopt uniform terminology for emergency response starting in the 2026-27 school year. This is called the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). This language, developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation, standardizes emergency terms so public safety officers and staff have consistent language no matter which school they visit. This language does not replace ALICE. It sits side-by-side with ALICE. Staff reviewed this new terminology at their opening staff meetings, this language was added to the District Family Resources webpage, and new SRP posters have been distributed to all classrooms and offices. 

Standard Response Protocol Terms:

• HOLD (former Dignity Pause): Students will hold in their classrooms when hallways need to be kept clear of occupants. Adults will close and lock their doors and continue on with the lessons/classwork until the all clear is announced.
• SECURE (former Shelter in Place): Secure mode is intended to safeguard people within the building when there may be a potential danger outside the school building. Secure mode requires students to remain or return to the inside of the building. Once students and staff are inside, no additional persons will be allowed in or out of the building until the Secure mode is lifted. Once inside and attendance is taken, students and staff will resume business as usual.
• LOCKDOWN: Lockdown is used when there is an immediate threat of violence or danger inside the building or on school grounds. If an immediate threat is present, this announcement will be made: Lockdown. Initiate ALICE protocols. After the announcement, staff and students will determine which ALICE protocol to follow: Lockdown, Counter or Evacuate. If Lockdown is chosen, staff and students will move away from sight, be silent, turn off the lights, barricade the door, use the Nightlock, keep doors closed and locked and wait for public safety to release the class.
• EVACUATE: Students and staff will evacuate the building and head to their reunification sites or rally points (for a fire). Students will leave their belongings behind (grabbing their phones if possible) and staff will bring their Go Bags. Once at the off-site location, District staff will proceed to use the reunification protocols to reunite students with their families.
• SHELTER: The Shelter protocol is for weather-related incidents or chemical hazards. Students and staff will relocate to a secure area if necessary (tornado shelters, for example), seal the room, drop and cover, etc. Staff will take attendance and ensure students are all in their secure safe locations.

When families receive notifications from our schools or the District regarding a safety issue, SRP terms will be used. The SRP website shared a video for students and families to understand how the protocols will be used in schools. You can review the overview video on YouTube.