Reunification
What happens when I am allowed to pick-up my child? Be patient. All students must be accounted for, assessed for injury, and potentially transported to a safe location first. This may include another school campus, an off-campus location (such as a church or business), or a medical facility. When the BISD announces the reunification location and procedures, follow those directions. Be prepared to wait a long time. DO NOT YELL AT STAFF- it does not help and slows the process. We understand you may be scared, upset, or angry. Students will be released after each parent/guardian is identified. Have your identification ready; students will NOT be released to parents/guardians who do not have identification. You may be asked to fill out a form to pick-up your child. This form allows BISD to release students faster as computer systems may be down making student information inaccessible. It also allows BISD to have a record of who picked up your child. *If your child is at a medical facility, you will be advised to go to that location.
What can parents/guardians do during an emergency event in progress?
Do not call 911 to simply ask for information or inquire about your child. This will only jam 911 emergency communication lines. Only those people directly involved in an emergency should call 911. If you are directly involved in an emergency and need help, call 911.
Where do parents go?
Bullard ISD in coordination with the First United Methodist Church of Bullard (204 Rather Street, Bullard, TX) has designated the Church parking lots as a parent waiting area for emergencies. Do NOT go to the campus/location you may place yourself in imminent danger. BISD will announce a reunification site as soon as a safe decision can be reached based on the emergency at hand. Do NOT park or wait on the street nearby the location. This may block or otherwise hinder emergency vehicles traveling to and from the emergency location. It could also put you in danger depending on the emergency.
What if you are not able to come pick-up your child?
In the event you are not able to come pick-up your child, BISD will attempt to contact all other listed emergency contacts on your child’s BISD enrollment form. Keep in mind that computer files may not be readily accessible if systems are down. This may take time to contact the people on your emergency list. BISD will hold your child until you or an approved adult can pick them up. If your child has their own vehicle at school, they might be allowed to leave on their own after they have been accounted for. If they are not allowed to drive away, both the parent and the student will be notified that the student must be picked up.
Can you Text/Call your child?
If the campus is in a Lockdown due to an active threat inside the building, DO NOT CALL YOUR CHILD. Calling anyone who may be hiding can give away their hiding place. You can consider texting your child; keep in mind that if your child’s cell phone is loud or lights up, texting can potentially give away their hiding place. If your child calls or texts you, briefly remind them NOT to draw attention to themselves.
If you text- KEEP IT SIMPLE (e.g., “are you ok?”). Avoid long and complicated texts. Your child may not be able to respond because they are hiding. Do not ask your child what you should do or where you should go. That information could be wrong or change rapidly; rely on official information from BISD and/or police. Do NOT tell your child to come outside and find you! This may put them in danger. Bullard ISD has implemented a number of safety features within our facilities to keep your child safe.
Other Emergencies (e.g., secure, tornado, fire, Hazmat, etc.)
The same information applies. Do not call your child. Consider briefly texting them as discussed above. During any emergency, cell towers will become jammed with calls which may prevent (or delay) 911 and first responders from receiving emergency calls for help.
What do I need to be able to pick up my child?
Be prepared to pick up your child by having your personal identification (driver’s license, passport, identification card) on hand. Even if you are the parent, guardian, or emergency contact listed in your child’s file, you will STILL need to show proof of identification. You may be asked to fill out a parent pick-up form. Remember, during an emergency, electronic school files may not be accessible and BISD will ensure that children are released only to their legally responsible adults.
Where can I pick up my child after a campus emergency?Wait and get updated information; do NOT attempt to go to the campus/location. Depending on the emergency and the condition of the building, students may be bussed to an alternate location for reunification/pick-up. Know before you go! Be patient. Transporting students from one location to another is time-consuming. If you are directed to go to the campus, follow the reunification pick-up directions. Even if you see your child outside, do NOT take the child and leave without signing your child out (this includes older children & teens)! Do NOT direct your child to leave the building and meet you somewhere! This could place your child in danger or be mistaken as part of the emergency issue. This will also cause first responders and staff to believe your child may still be inside and in danger. Be patient, reunification will take an extended amount of time as we want all of our BISD students to be taken care of safely.
How can I receive notifications and emergency information?
Make sure you subscribe to the Bullard ISD mobile app to receive notifications and updated emergency information as soon as it can be validated and uploaded. (This app may be found by searching “Bullard ISD” in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.) Those who wait to subscribe during or immediately following an emergency may experience a delay in receiving mobile app information.
