Safety is Bismarck Public School’s #1 priority. If there is an emergency, BPS will follow one of these “4 Critical Responses”:

Lockdown – A “Lockdown Response” occurs when there is an immediate threat to student and staff safety. All normal activity stops and students are taken to designated safe areas. This could be on or off campus.

Shelter-in-Place – A “Shelter-in-Place Response” is called when there is not an immediate threat to student or staff safety. A shelter-in-place is used as a PRECAUTIONARY measure. Depending on the situation, doors may or may not be locked, students may or may not be allowed to leave the classroom without adult supervision, and people may or may not be allowed to enter/exit the building. Examples of situations where a shelter-in-place may be called: reports of a wild animal in the area, robbery (armed or unarmed) reported at a nearby location but not on school grounds, escaped prisoner in the area, police responding to a domestic dispute, arrest being made near a school, etc.

Tornado/Severe Weather – A “Tornado or Severe Weather Response” is usually initiated by the National Weather Service. Teachers and aides will escort students to a pre-designated safe area. These areas are generally interior rooms with no windows, hallways with no open ends, and basements.

Evacuation – An “Evacuation” is initiated by the fire alarm or an announcement made on the intercom. Teachers and aides will escort students through the nearest exit and out of the building. Every school has designated a “Reunification Area” where all classes meet and teachers take roll. During evacuation drills, administrators may stand in front of an exit and imitate a fire or other obstruction, giving students and staff experience in thinking through different situations.

If you have any questions regarding any of the 4 Critical Responses, please contact Becky LaBella at 701-323-4086 or through email.

In the event of an emergency, we ask you keep the following in mind:

For printable information on student safety, here is our Student Safety at School brochure.