Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Update

Borg Report March 13, 2026

As part of our ongoing school safety efforts, Westonka Public Schools continues to implement and train students and staff on the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).

During the 2025-26 school year, Westonka began implementing the SRP, developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation in partnership with local law enforcement. The SRP provides a common language and clear set of actions for students, staff, and first responders during a wide range of potential situations. Rather than focusing on specific scenarios, the protocol focuses on how to respond to any situation—helping ensure safety actions are consistent, easy to understand, and regularly practiced.

To support student understanding, a short five-minute overview video of the SRP will be shared with middle and high school students:

The SRP is built around five key actions that students and staff learn and practice:

• Hold: Used when hallways need to remain clear due to a situation in the building. Students and staff stay in classrooms or designated areas until the situation is resolved (e.g., a medical emergency in a hallway).
   
• Secure: Used when there is activity in the surrounding area, but not inside the school. Exterior doors are locked and students are brought inside, while learning continues as normal (e.g., law enforcement activity nearby).
   
• Lockdown: Used when there is a perceived danger inside or immediately near the building. Students and staff secure themselves behind locked doors following the protocol of “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight.” If a student can’t get behind a locked door, safely evacuating from the area is always an option.
   
• Evacuate: Used when students and staff must move to a different location due to a situation in or near the building (e.g., a gas leak).
   
• Shelter: Used when students and staff need protection from a hazardous condition such as severe weather.

By practicing these protocols, students and staff are better prepared to respond calmly and appropriately if a situation arises.

The SRP is used by schools and communities across the state and nation and is supported locally by the Orono Police Department, Minnetrista Police Department, our School Resource Officers, and the Mound Fire Department. Additionally, Westonka administrators and staff are trained on the I Love You Guys Standard Reunification Method and are prepared to implement the protocol if students need to be safely reunited with their families.

We're grateful for the community’s partnership as we work to ensure our schools remain safe learning environments. Coordination between parents, students, staff, and first responders strengthens school safety, which is why communication like this is important. More information about Westonka’s multifaceted approach to school safety is available on the district website, www.westonka.k12.mn.us/about-us/school-safety.