Springtime can bring severe weather. We want to provide important reminders about LPS protocols during severe weather situations:

• A Tornado Watch means no tornado is present currently, but conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form in and around the area. LPS will work with Lincoln Lancaster County Management to monitor conditions, but teaching and learning will continue as normal.
• In the event the National Weather Service indicates the city of Lincoln is in a Tornado Warning, then all of our schools will use our Standard Response Protocol of Shelter.
  • A Tornado Warning means there has been a tornado spotted either in person or on radar.
  • The Standard Response Protocol of Shelter means all doors are locked and all staff and students follow the planned route to designated shelter areas within the school building. They will wait until an “all clear” is given. Staff are not available to answer phones or doors as they are providing student supervision in a safe space within the school.
• If the Tornado Warning extends past dismissal time, we will keep all staff and students in the designated area until the “all clear” is given. Once the threatening weather has passed after school, students who normally walk home will be released; students who are picked up by families will be supervised until families can arrive; students who ride the bus will continue on the bus, and students who go to after school care will continue on to after school care.
• As a reminder, the following is outlined in our Important Information Booklet (page 9): “Parents should not attempt to come to school during a tornado warning. School officials prefer to keep students at the school during tornado warnings. Depending on school size and staffing, it may or may not be possible to allow parents into the school during a weather emergency.”

Tornado safety procedures are practiced regularly by staff and students. You can find more information about our Standard Response Protocols on our security website.