Code Level Red Terrorist Alert

Your child's safety is our top priority.

St. Joseph Public Schools will remain open if the federal government issues a National Code Red Terrorist Alert. The St. Joseph Public Schools have established a network with the Berrien County Sheriff's office, as well as Berrien County Emergency Services, to provide our district with a direct line of communication regarding security information as it relates specifically to the St. Joseph area and the locations of our schools. If Berrien County emergency planning officials or the Governor determine that there is a direct threat in our area accompanied by a Code Level Red Terrorist Alert, the following steps will be taken: (Please note: a Code Level Red means there is a severe risk of a terrorist attack. A National Code Red may not signal a Code Red in Berrien County). If the announcement regarding a Code Level Red has a direct threat for Berrien County and comes before or after school hours:

• Schools may be CLOSED depending on the nature and severity of the information provided.
• All activities and events scheduled for any district facility may be canceled until further notice.
• Your local television and radio stations will be advised of the status.

If the announcement regarding a Code Level Red has a direct threat for Berrien County and comes during school hours:

• Our schools will go into lockdown mode and follow the specific instructions of local security officials.
• Students will remain in school until regular dismissal or until released to a parent/guardian.
• Normal transportation procedures will be implemented for students (i.e. regular bus routes, student drives him/herself or parent pickup), unless otherwise directed by local, county, or state emergency officials.
• All after-school activities and events may be canceled.
• Your local television and radio stations will be advised of the status.

• Advise your child's school if there are any recent changes to your child's emergency contact information.
• Please do not call the schools. We will need to keep the phone lines open for emergency communication since school officials will need to remain in contact with local, county or state emergency officials.
• Tune in to local radio and television stations. We will use local media to update information as it becomes available.
• Talk with your child about this plan, so they know that a National Code Level Red does not automatically mean school will close.

We thank you for your cooperation as we take these important steps to ensure the safety of your child and our staff.