At the Elmira Heights Central School District, student and staff safety is our highest priority. Each year, we begin the fall with a series of state-required safety drills designed to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. These drills are an important part of building a safe, calm, and confident school environment.
What Drills We Conduct
Bus Safety Drills
Held during Physical Education classes, these drills focus on safe riding practices and how to use emergency exits in case of an emergency. Students learn about basic bus safety procedures and what to expect if something goes wrong during a ride.
Fire Drills
We conduct multiple fire drills throughout the year to practice safe, orderly building evacuations. Students learn where to go and how to exit quickly and safely, while staff ensure all students are accounted for.
Lockdown Drills
These drills help prepare us for situations where it may be safest to stay inside the classroom. During a lockdown drill:
Doors are locked
Students remain quiet and away from hallways or windows
We understand these drills can feel unsettling, so we approach them with care and age-appropriate explanations. Our staff checks in with students before and after, and we provide additional support for those who may find the experience stressful.
Working Together to Keep Schools Safe
Safety planning is a team effort. We work closely with our School Resource Officer, Officer Ruhmel of the Elmira Heights Police Department, who serves as both an advisor and our direct connection to local emergency services. In addition, we regularly engage with first responders to review, refine, and improve our protocols.
Our safety procedures are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis, based on best practices, feedback from staff, and guidance from state and local officials.
Our Ongoing Commitment
While most drills happen early in the year, safety is something we think about year-round. We’re committed to continuous improvement—whether it’s updating plans, providing staff training, or supporting students in understanding what to do and why it matters.
If you have any questions or concerns about our safety procedures, please reach out to your building principal. We’re here to support both you and your child in feeling safe, secure, and ready to learn.