DURING A CRITICAL INCIDENT
The CRT should assemble prior to the staff meeting to: Share updated factual information, preview staff meeting format and discuss procedures for day.
Sometime between the initial telephone contact and the morning teachers' meeting, some specific logistics need to be agreed upon. Initially, to what extent does the "full-blown" response plan need to be implemented? After this is resolved then: Items listed below are part of the agenda for the CRT meeting set by the principal.
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Who will be present in selected/all first period classes?
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Who will address teachers' meeting before school?
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Who will staff the counseling center?
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Who will cover other locations in building (library, cafeteria, gym, hallways)?
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Schedule after school and continuing meetings for all.
STEP 1
Verify factual information with the appropriate authorities. Work up a fact sheet to be shared with building personnel. Review information with parents, as appropriate, prior to sharing information with others.
Inform necessary school personnel (Superintendent, building principal) that a critical incident has occurred.
STEP 2
Contact the AEA and school-based Crisis Response Team (CRT) to set up a time for the CRT to meet before the early morning staff meeting.
Act as or designate a contact person for the media and/or community agencies.
STEP 3
Contact staff members via phone tree. Only share as needed information (event that occurred, when the meeting will be, and consider sensitivity to staff members.
Brief secretary in handling calls and requests for information.
If appropriate, determine what school resources (buses, school gym, etc.) can be used in the event according to board policy.
STEP 4
Create an agenda for CRT meeting. Remember to cover facts of the event, determine how information will be shared with students and families sample letter home, sample letter #2, sample letter #3, create an announcement for students, discuss funeral and memorials arrangements,and removal of student possessions. Other topics are also included in this sample agenda.
STEP 5
Lead the early morning staff meeting. Topics to cover may include sharing facts about the event, discussing the school day schedule, how to handle media, and review procedures for first hour of the day. Other topics may be included in this sample agenda.
STEP 7
Schedule an informational meeting at the end of the day for staff to share experiences, reactions and other important information from the day’s events.
STEP 8
In the days following the event, begin to bring closure by encouraging teachers to resume regular classroom activities as quickly as is appropriate. Teacher tips
Encourage teachers and other staff members to refer students who may still be at risk to a support network which could include guidance staff, peer groups, family or religious affiliation. Grief response resource