Sample Statements to the Media

Example 1:  Bus accident

Our third grade students were on a field trip when their school bus was involved in an accident on Interstate-75 (I-75) Emergency medical teams have arrived and are transporting students to (NAME) community hospital.  Our assistant principal is at the scene and our superintendent is at the hospital.  We have established a hotline for parents (or, staff members are calling parents of students involved in the accident.)  The hotline number is (NUMBER).  Our Emergency Management Response Team is implementing our emergency protocol for bus accidents, including providing support to students and staff.

Note:  Important points made are: preparedness of the school; coordination of efforts with community agencies, access to information for parents; responsible immediate action taken by school representatives (including those in positions of authority); and support provided for students at the school.

Example 2:  Fight/Death of Student (off campus, after hours)

A fight involving two eleventh-grade students occurred a block from campus at 7:00 PM last night.  The incident resulted in the fatal shooting of one of our students.  An ongoing investigation is being conducted, but no more is know at this time.”

Our school's Emergency Management Response Team went into action immediately following the incident and the following actions have been taken:  1) Our Emergency Team met last night and planned a staff meeting before the school day.  2) We notified staff of the meeting using our Telephone Tree.  3) Crisis counseling for students is being provided by Central Office and community resources; 4) A review of our school weapons policy is underway and school security is on alert for potential related violence.

Note:  Important points are: Even though the incident occurred off campus, after hours, the school still has a responsibility to act; the incident is coupled with a re-statement of the district weapons policy; the school demonstrates it is able to handle emergencies by convening an Emergency Management Response Team meeting, by drawing on community resources, and by providing (or accessing) crisis counseling to the students.