Emergency Procedures

In case of fire, earthquake, or other extraordinary events, St. Augustine School has created a plan and taken precautions to cope with such disasters.  Fire, earthquake, and other disaster drills are performed regularly to prepare students.  The St. Augustine School PTO has purchased sufficient disaster supplies, which include food, water, and other necessary items.  If your child has any food allergies, please check with the Office Manager to make alternative arrangements.

In the event of a major disaster, please:

1. Do not panic.  Children need to feel a degree of calm during this type of trauma.
2. Do not call the school.  The line may be needed for emergency use.
3. Should the need arise, your child will be released to any person authorized to pick up your child, as listed on the emergency card.  A written record of the person to whom and at what time your child was released will be kept.  No child will be released without the signature of an authorized guardian.
4. If no one is able to pick your child up, we will keep your child under our supervision until you arrive, or your child is moved to a central location.

Should an emergency occur outside school hours, please listen to a local radio station (e.g., KNX 1070 AM) and local TV news for instructions about school closures.

School Messenger is an emergency notification system that will send text messages in the event that an emergency arises.  Parents are urged to sign up for this service to give them immediate information.  Parents could also check the school's Twitter account @saxontweet.

Procedures in the Event of a Missing Child

1. Faculty and/or staff will make a brief, thorough check of the school grounds. 
2. The staff will then call the parents and anyone whose name appears on the emergency card to check if they picked up the child.
3. If the first two step fail in locating the child, WE WILL call the police, making available a picture of the child, the age, and descriptions that can be found in his/her cumulative file.
4. We will always fill out an accident report/personal incident form and send it to the appropriate office or department.

Pets and Animals

Generally, animals are not allowed on campus without the written permission of the principal; however, under laws protecting the disabled, staff members and students with a qualifying disability may be allowed to bring a service or emotional support animal onto the school premises.  If the animal is an emotional support animal, the staff member or student may be required to provide documentation from a medical professional that the animal provides support that alleviates a symptom or effect of the staff member's or student's disability.  A pet kept for companionship is not considered a service or emotional support animal.

During the Blessing of the Animals, animals may be brought onto the play yard for the event.  This generally occurs on a Saturday in October, outside of the normal school day.

The pet owner is at all times responsible for the service animal or animals brought for the blessing.  If at any time these animals cause issues with health, safety, or disruption of the learning environment, the animal would not be able to be on campus. ​

Custody Situations

Divorced or separated parents must file a court-certified copy of the custody section of the divorce or separation decree, as well as any amendments, with the office.  Student guardians should immediately notify the school concerning restraining orders, restricted access to student records, or limited visitation.  Appropriate documentation or copies of court orders should be submitted to the school office.  The school will not be held responsible for failing to honor arrangements that have not been made known in writing.