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Parent/Guardian Notification of Emergency Protocols

August 26, 2026

Dear Albuquerque Public Schools Community,

Schools are among the safest places to be, but critical incidents can happen anywhere. We recognize the importance of preparing our staff and students and communicating with you as situations unfold.

We are committed to providing you with timely, accurate, and clear information during school emergencies. Communication will be shared through official channels like aps.edu, social media, phone, and email. Parents, guardians, students, and APS employees can expect to receive the following information during a critical incident while school is in session:

  • Information that a shelter in place has been initiated will be posted on the homepage of aps.edu and individual school websites affected.

  • If you have opted into our mass communication system, you will be notified via School Messenger by phone and/or email once law enforcement has activated a shelter in place or lockdown. Please ensure your personal contact information is updated at your school.

  • APS will communicate with law enforcement and update you via aps.edu, individual school websites, School Messenger, and social media platforms as new details are confirmed.

  • Should an early dismissal of school and/or regular transportation be canceled, your child will be kept on campus with adult supervision until you can arrange to pick them up.

  • You will also be notified if transportation is still available, schedules are disrupted, students can walk home, high school students can drive themselves and others home, or if after-school activities are canceled.

  • Every APS school and work site has a detailed school safety plan. You will be notified via the platforms mentioned above in the event of an evacuation.

  • The school's relocation and family reunification plan will be activated in an off-campus evacuation. Students will only be released from the relocation site to custodial parents/guardians or persons identified on the school emergency card.

  • All messaging platforms will notify you once the situation has been contained and law enforcement determines the next steps.

  • A letter explaining what happened and any other essential information will be sent to the families impacted by the day's events.

Please note that every situation is different, and decisions are made based on the best information available at that moment. Due to the unpredictable nature of emergencies, it is not possible to guarantee that a robocall or post will follow every development in a crisis. We ask for your patience if communication is not as fast as you would like.

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.

We know these situations create fear and uncertainty, and we commit to providing you with information as soon as it is available.

Sincerely,
Matthew Burrows
APS School Police Dept.