Circumstances may occur at the school that require parents to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release. The process of controlled release is called a reunification and may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazmat event, danger outside the school or if a crisis occurs at the school. The Standard Reunification Method is a protocol that makes this process more predictable and less chaotic for all involved.  

Because a controlled release is not a typical end of school day event, a reunification may occur at a different location than the school a student attends. If this location is another school, then those students may be subject to a controlled release as well.

Angie Wineland, Emergency Preparedness Manager at Adams 12 Five Star Schools, shared what parents need to know about the reunification process. Although we will use a drive-thru reunification process, the video is a great introduction to the process.

Parents may be notified in a number of ways. The school may use its broadcast phone or text message system. In some cases, students may be asked to send a text message to their parents. A reunification text message from a student may look something like this:  

“The school has closed, please pick me up at 3:25 at the  main entrance. Bring your ID.“

If a parent or guardian is notified that a controlled release and reunification is needed, there are some expectations they should be aware of:

First, bring photo identification. That will streamline things during reunification. EVERYONE must have their photo ID to pick up their child, no exceptions.

Second, be patient. Reunification is a process that protects the safety of the student, and provides for an accountable change of custody from the school to a recognized custodial parent or guardian and this will take time.

When a parent can’t immediately go to the reunification site, students will only be released to individuals previously identified as a student’s emergency contact. Otherwise, the school will hold students until parents can pick up their student. 

There may be instances where a student is not allowed to remove a vehicle from the parking lot. In this case, parents are advised to recover the student. In some circumstances, high school students may be released on their own.

Students may be asked to be orderly and quiet while waiting. They may be asked to text a message to their parents or guardians, and not to message anyone else.  Keeping the cellular network usage at a minimum WILL be important during a reunification.

For parents, there are a couple of steps.

1. BRING YOUR PHOTO ID! Reunification cannot happen without proper identification.

2. WAIT to receive the message from the school's notification system. The notification system will provide WHERE reunification will take place AND WHAT steps parents need to take to retrieve their child(ren.) Parents are asked to help keep the lines of communication open by staying off their phone. Often, when too many are using cell service at the same time, the system will crash. We understand that it will be difficult but the less you use your phone, the quicker we can reunite you with your student.

3. DRIVE CAREFULLY you should have a greater awareness of congested traffic.  Be prepared for change in traffic patterns as you get closer to the School or Reunification Site.  Alternate routes may be necessary.

Our reunification plan is a drive-thru process, meaning parents will stay in their vehicles throughout the process. Upon arrival, parents/guardians will begin forming a line at the first stop.  Law Enforcement will confirm a photo ID of the parent/guardian is present.  You will not be allowed to Stop #2 without your ID.  In order to manage the flow of traffic congestion at the Reunification Site, only a limited number of vehicles will be allowed to drive to Stop #2 at a time.  It is important that everyone remains patient.  This will take time.

At Stop #2, GREETERS hand parents a reunification card.  This card is perforated and will be separated during the process, therefore EVERYTHING must be completly filled out. Some of the same information is repeated on both the top and bottom of the card. Parents are asked to complete all parts of the card.

During check-in, identification and custody rights are confirmed. Parents/Guardians will be met at their vehicles by a CHECKER. The CHECKER will take the Reunification Card and photo ID. CHECKERS will enter the Reunification Site to confirm custody and approval is granted for reunification.

Parents proceed to Stop #4 while waiting on reunification approval. At Stop #4, the CHECKER will return the bottom of the Reunification card and the I.D. to the parent/guardian.

REUNIFIERS will approach your vehicle and take the bottom of the card at Stop #5.  The card tells them which student you need and that you have been approved to pick up the student.  The REUNIFIER will enter the Reunification Site to gather your child and you will drive on to Stop #6. 

The REUNIFIER will bring your student to your vehicle.

***Parents should be aware that, in some cases, they may be invited into the building for further information.***

In some cases, parents may be advised that a law enforcement investigation is underway and may be advised that interviews are necessary.  In extreme cases, parents may be pulled aside for emergency or medical information.