Pre-Planning Phase
Step One: Appoint members to the building Crises Management Team (typically include^
counselors, nurse, other building administrators, etc.).
Step Two: Organize a calling tree.^
Step Three: Hold a twenty-to-thirty-minute staff meeting to review protocol procedures
(this needs to be done annually).
Protocol Implementation
Step One: When notified of adult or student death, verify the death with appropriate
public officials (if notification was not by a family member or public
official). Instances have occurred where the notification of who died was
incorrect.
Step Two: Notify the school Crises Team Leader and assess the expected degree of
response from the school community. Factors include groups deceased was
involved in, the popularity of the person, etc.
Step Three: If the death was not during school hours, activate the pre-arranged calling
tree to notify staff of early-morning mandatory meeting. Request that Crises
Management Team members meet with the principal thirty minutes prior to
the staff meeting.
Step Four:
Designate the Crises Management Team Leader as the person responsible for
orchestrating the emotional first aid activities for the next few days. This
person will serve as the "hub" of information and will direct the team's daily
activities.
Step Five:
Direct a staff member to immediately remove contents from the deceased
student's locker. Hopefully, this can be accomplished discreetly, and prior to
students returning to school. The personal contents belong to the parents, and
removal to the principal's office will ensure they are properly presented to the
parents.
