A lockdown is called when there is something dangerous INSIDE of the building.  Students and staff are trained to enter or remain in a room that can be locked, and maintain silence.  A lockdown is only initiated when there is an active threat inside the building.

Should parents go to the school during a lockdown?

The natural inclination for parents is to go to the school during a Lockdown. Understandable, but perhaps problematic. If there is a threat inside the building, law enforcement will be responding. It is unlikely that parents will be granted access to the building or even the campus. If parents are already in the school, they will be instructed to Lockdown as well.

Should parents text their students?

The school recognizes the importance of communication between parents and students during a Lockdown event. Parents should be aware though, during the initial period of a Lockdown, it may not be safe for students to text their parents. As the situation resolves, students may be asked to update their parents on a regular basis. In some cases, students may be evacuated and transported off-site for a student-parent reunification.   The school district will be in consistent contact with parents via ParentSquare keeping them as up to date as possible.  If an evacuation is necessary, Columbus Public Schools will communicate specific instructions regarding the reunification process.