Originally taken from https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/Page/6380

FAMILY REUNIFICATION PROCESS

STUDENT/PARENT REUNIFICATION

Circumstances may occur at the school that requires parents to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release/dismissal from a location other than their child's school. This process is called Reunification and may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazmat, or if a crisis occurs at the school. The Reunification method is a protocol that makes the process more predictable and less chaotic/confusing for all involved.

Reunifying students with their parents or legal guardians in the aftermath of an emergency is very important and requires planning in advance of the emergency to ensure everyone is safe. Accomplishing this goal requires the efficient, coordinated use of resources and efforts from across the entire community (including School District personnel, Emergency Management, fire, local law enforcement, and Emergency Management officials).

WHAT CAN I DO BEFORE THIS HAPPENS TO PREPARE?

Parents should always make sure to keep their emergency contact information up to date in the school so notifications will be made to you in a timely manner. Instructions for updating your emergency card are located on our website at https://www.wpsk12.com/our_district/technology/about_the_aspen_student_family_portal. You should maintain an up-to-date list of who is allowed to pick up your child on your emergency card. ALWAYS bring your identification when you will be picking up your student(s).

NOTIFICATIONS

Parents may be notified in a number of ways. The school may send out automated phone messages, emails, or website postings – usually, multiple messages to keep you updated on the event. ALWAYS BRING YOUR ID. Also, make sure that your personal information such as phone numbers and email addresses is up to date so you will receive these messages. Please do not call the school.

PARENT/GUARDIAN EXPECTATIONS

If a parent or guardian is notified that reunification is needed, there are some expectations that parents or guardians should be aware of. Do not go to the school - students will not be released from the school. Do not call the school - the staff will be involved with transporting students. Always bring identification to the reunification site. Reunification is a process that protects both the safety of the student and provides an accountable change of custody from the school to a recognized custodial parent or guardian. We cannot release students to anyone who is not listed on the Emergency Contact information for the school.

WHAT IF THE PARENT CAN NOT PICK UP THEIR STUDENT?

When a parent cannot immediately go to the reunification site, students will only be released to individuals previously identified on the student Emergency Contact List. Otherwise, the school will hold students until parents can pick them up.

WHAT IF THE STUDENT DROVE TO SCHOOL?

There may be instances where a student may not be allowed to remove a vehicle from the parking lot. In this case, parents will be advised to pick up their student(s) at the reunification site.

REUNIFICATION FORMS

For parents, there are a couple of steps. If a parent is driving to the reunification site, greater awareness of traffic and emergency vehicles is advised. Parents should park where instructed to park by officials at the reunification site. Do not abandon your vehicle. Go to the reunification “check-in” area. Have your identification with you. While in line, parents will be asked to fill out a reunification form. Parents are asked to complete all parts of the form for each student they are picking up.

BRING ID TO CHECK-IN

During check-in, identification and custody rights are confirmed for every student. A runner will go to the Student Assembly Area to retrieve the student(s).

INTERVIEWS AND COUNSELING

In some instances, parents may be advised that a law enforcement investigation is underway and may be advised that interviews are necessary. Please understand that this process will take time and we will work to ensure that everyone is delivered safely to their parent or guardian.