Emergency Info
Be prepared for a school emergency
Ensure that your child's emergency contact information is accurate and current.
In case of a school emergency
- DO NOT call or rush to your child's school.
- Phone lines and staff are needed for emergency response efforts.DO NOT phone your child. Staff and students are discouraged from using cell phone communications for safety reasons.
- Families will be updated via robocall and email as soon as information is available.
In the event of an emergency at your child's school, it is important to know the following terms. Be aware that no entry into or exit from the school will be allowed until an "all clear" announcement is made. If you enter a campus that is in lockdown, asses the situation, return to your vehicle and exit the premises.
Modified Lockdown - A modified lockdown takes place if an external threat is identified near the school. All exterior school doors are locked and students are confined to the building.
Lockdown - A lockdown takes place if an internal or external threat is identified at the school. All school doors are locked and students are confined to classrooms.
Shelter in Place - Students take refuge in designated areas to protect them from hazardous materials or severe weather.
Evacuation - In the event of certain building emergencies, students will be relocated to an evacuation assembly area.*
Reunification - Parents/guardians will be directed by school Emergency Notification System, or public safety officials via media, to their child's specific location.*
*Students will be released ONLY to parents/guardians or those who are documented as emergency contacts and who present a picture ID such as a driver's license, military 1D or passport
Inclement Weather
When weather forces a change in the normal operating routine of the district, Bethel follows a process to make decisions concerning cancellation or delay of school, and to ensure students and families receive information and updates as quickly as possible.
Please ensure that your children have an alternate place to stay (neighbors, family members, etc.) if you must be at work on a day when school has been canceled or delayed. We will make every effort to adhere to the established school calendar, however the safety of students and employees is the highest priority.
How are decisions made?
At approximately 3 a.m. designated transportation personnel begin driving roads throughout the district to determine the status of roads. At 4 a.m. the Transportation Director contacts the Superintendent and relays the gathered information. The Superintendent then determines the feasibility of safely transporting children to and from school.
Where can parents get information concerning school closures or delays?
Decisions regarding school closures or delays are made by 5 a.m. when possible. Parents and staff will be contacted by robocall, email and text first. The message will then be shared on our website. Local radio and television stations will also share the information.
What can parents expect with school closures or delays?
Bethel School District has three (3) emergency condition messages that will be utilized.
- Schools Closed: This means all Bethel schools are closed for all students, and no transportation will be provided to other schools outside of the district, even though they may be open. All scheduled activities are also canceled unless otherwise noted.
- Two Hours Late: This means buses will begin their first route two hours late but at regularly scheduled stops. Right At School and the Bethel Acceleration Academy will also be running two hours late. There will be NO half-day preschool, no ECEAP, no late start or early release programs, no out-of-district transportation, no Challenge program, and no transportation for Challenger Middle or Challenger High School. Morning classes at the Pierce County Skills Center are also canceled.
- Snow Routes in Effect: Due to road conditions, some bus stops have changed location. Snow route information is available here.