Crisis Communications
During an emergency, ACPS uses ParentSquare, our official communications platform, to send timely information directly to affected families and staff. Depending on the nature and scope of the situation, we also may post public updates on this page.
This page also provides information about how our schools respond to emergencies and how we communicate during a crisis.
What to Expect During an Emergency
During an emergency, affected families and staff can expect:
- Timely notifications and updates through ParentSquare
- Clear, consistent information about what is happening, what actions are being taken, and what you need to know or do
- Follow-up messages as new information becomes available and when the situation is resolved
For incidents with broader community impact or significant public interest, we also may provide updates on this page or through other public communication channels. When we use this page for public updates, we may post a pop-up message on the ACPS website to direct visitors here.
Before We Send an Update
Sometimes families may hear about an incident before receiving a message from ACPS. We want to share information as quickly as possible while making sure it is accurate and does not contribute to rumors or confusion.
Before we send an update, we work quickly to:
- Confirm the information we share is accurate.
- Coordinate with school staff and emergency responders to confirm the safety and well-being of those involved, when possible.
Stay Connected
During an emergency, ACPS uses ParentSquare to send important alerts and updates to affected families and staff. Notifications may be sent by email, text, voice, and mobile app.
To make sure we can reach you, please keep your contact information current with your child’s school. We also encourage families to download the ParentSquare mobile app for an additional way to receive important school and division communications.
Download the Free ParentSquare Mobile App: App Store | Google Play
Emergency Terms to Know
Here are some of the terms we may use during an emergency. Our Standard Response Protocol (SRP) includes five safety responses based on the situation.
Student Reunification
If an emergency requires students to leave their school building, we may use a reunification process to safely return students to their families.
If reunification is needed, we will send families information about where to go, what to bring, and what to expect. Please wait for instructions before going to the school or reunification site. Following the directions provided will help us reunite students with their families as safely and efficiently as possible.
Past Events Archive
View public updates from past emergency situations that were posted on this page.