Montemalaga Elementary School
A Message from the Principal…
Many questions about school safety have been asked recently. The numerous incidents of injury and violence across our nation have caused schools to examine emergency plans and procedures. Our number one priority is the safety of our students and staff. Montemalaga Elementary continues to improve emergency procedures with the practice of every drill. Please take a minute to read what we presently have in place and what safety improvements are planned for the near future. Our school will be holding a Town Hall Meeting in March in order to hear your concerns, questions, and thoughts regarding safety. Please check the Weekly Memo for the exact date of this evening meeting. I look forward to seeing your there! Together, as a community, we can provide a safe, inviting and nurturing learning environment.
What is already in place at Montemalaga:
- Monthly fire drills
- Lockdown drills
- Fall and Spring Earthquake Drills
- We evaluate and announce before exiting a class when the alarm sounds
- Slide locks at the top of each door
- Annual update and review of Emergency School Plan
- CPR and First Aid Training for Staff every two years
- Search and Rescue Training
- Ham Radio Operators (3)
- Radios for communication in every classroom
- Ham Radio district drills throughout the year
- Communication with Palos Verdes Estates Police
- Some shades on windows
- Regularly scheduled meetings with PTA 4th VP in charge of safety
- Annual restocking of emergency supplies
- Social/Emotional Learning Lessons
- Student Support Specialist on campus (every Monday)
- School Psychologist three days a week
- Volunteer guidelines in case of an emergency at school
- Check-in procedures at the front office—all wear visitor badges
- What is planned for the near future:
- Additional window shades installed throughout the school
- Practice Run-Hide-Flight procedures
- Staff to participate in Active Shooter Training
- Increased Police patrol
- Procedures for exiting the school at back gate during the school day
- Additional training for emergency teams
- Continuous review of children’s emotional state
- Making time/opportunities to talk—staff and students
- Heightened awareness of surroundings at any given point