MRUSD utilizes an automated emergency notification system in the event of a school closing (due to weather or an emergency), which relies on the most up-to-date information you provide.

For email and phone call notifications please be sure your contact information is up to date in PowerSchool. If you have issues logging in please contact your student's school.

To receive text alerts, OPT IN by sending Yes to 87569. To opt out, text Stop to 87569 or reply with Stop.

At MRUSD, the safety of our students is our top priority. Together we can make our schools stronger and safer. Students teachers, parents, school administrators, local law enforcement, and community members have a role to play in creating a safe and secure environment for everyone. We also have a dedicated team of safety professionals who are committed to creating a safe learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Here are some of the ways that the District has engaged in safety and security preparedness efforts:

• Monthly Key Focus Areas for 2023-2024

• We collaborate with local emergency planners and with our first response community on our school emergency preparedness efforts.

• The District Safety Team also meets monthly with local emergency responders to review and evaluate our emergency procedures and stay up to date on emergency protocols from the State of Vermont.

• The MRUSD has a strong relationship with our local law enforcement and we often work with these members to discuss potential crisis situations.

• Our schools also routinely practice safety drills to promote awareness and response to potential emergency situations.

Implemented to isolate students and staff from the outdoor environment and provide greater protection from external airborne contaminants or wildlife. Close windows and air vents, and shut down air conditioning/heating units.

Short-term measure implemented to protect students and adults in the case of an unsafe situation in the building (usually a student that is struggling or a medical issue). This command allows us to deal with the issue and keep everyone safe and issues private.

Initiated for a potential threat of danger in the surrounding community. All classroom/office doors are closed and locked, and all students and staff remain inside until otherwise directed. Instruction continues as planned.

Initiated for an immediate threat of danger to occupants of a campus or school building and when any movement will put students and staff in jeopardy. Once implemented, no one is allowed to enter or exit rooms for any reason unless directed by law enforcement.

Implemented when conditions outside the building or off-site are safer than inside or on-site. Requires moving or directing students and staff to move from school buildings to a pre- determined safe location.

While student safety is our primary concern, there will be occasions when school remains open in less than ideal weather conditions. When this happens, we have particular concern for the welfare of our teenage drivers. We know that icy and snow-covered roads are a challenge for any driver. Please be very deliberate before allowing a young driver to leave for school in inclement weather.

When school is in session, if you feel that road conditions are unsafe to send your child to school, you always have the freedom to keep your child home for the day.

When there is a change in the school day, an automated message will be delivered via email and/or telephone through the District's emergency notification system. Information is also posted on local television channels WPTZ and WCAX.

What Parents Can Do to Keep Students Safe

• Make sure their emergency contact information is up-to-date and comprehensive.

• Make sure your list of adults who are authorized to pick up their child is up-to-date and that those adults know to always carry their ID with them. Children will not be released to anyone who is unauthorized or cannot provide appropriate identification. 

• Make sure the school has information about any special needs their child may have.

• Check their phone/email every morning before they come to school in case there is a problem on campus.

• Check established communication channels regularly.

• During an emergency, parents should not call the school. It is essential to keep phone lines open so school officials can make outgoing emergency calls. If students are ill or injured, the parents of those students will be notified first. 

• During an emergency, parents should not go to the school. One of the greatest challenges facing school officials and first responders is how to manage an onslaught of parents. Parents might also inadvertently create traffic jams that may block emergency responders from getting to the scene or leaving if necessary to transport injured students or staff to emergency medical facilities. 

• Parents should not reach out to their child during an emergency at school. The students need to be focused on what they should be doing and, in some cases, they need to be quiet.

• For parents of older children, make sure they feel encouraged and safe to subscribe to “see something – say something.”

• Encourage their children to take drills seriously, to listen carefully, and follow directions.

During a school emergency, we ask parents/guardians to -

• Monitor your telephone and email: We will utilize an automated notification system to inform you of the emergency and provide guidance.

• Go online and turn on your radio or television: Check our website (www.maplerun.org) often for updates in the NEWS section. We will keep the media informed of any emergency as well. 

• Please do not call the school: We have limited phone lines and they must be used to respond to the emergency.

• Please do not come to the school unless requested to pick up your student: Any emergency may require emergency vehicles, workers, and/or law enforcement to have access to/from the building. During such a time, parents/guardians will be restricted from accessing school grounds. If the emergency necessitates relocation of staff and students, parents/guardians will be informed via a phone call, social media, and the website. Parent/guardian photo identification is required to dismiss a student. To dismiss a student to any adult other than the parent/guardian or emergency contact will require written permission from the student’s parent/guardian.