Dear FMPSD Parents, Staff and Students,

Fort McMurray Public School District is experiencing something serious which has deeply affected everyone.  Let me briefly update you on what our staff have done to ensure safety of students and staff due to the forest fire crisis that enveloped the city.

School staff immediately implemented Hour Zero, our crisis management response plan that either evacuated schools or became a shelter in place.  This plan kept all our 5600 students safe until reunited with parents or family friends.  We have two students who have yet to be reunited with parents and these students remain under the care of their school principal. Once parents are able to return from the evacuation sites north of the city, our staff will make the necessary plans to be with their children.

All our students are accounted for at this time.  We are in the process of coordinating communications with all our staff who have also evacuated to the nearest safe place. Daily or regular emails and updates will be provided on our District’s Facebook, Twitter and staff emails.  Please continue to check these sites as needed.

Students and staff will react in different ways so it will be important to have support available to assist both staff and students in need.  Counselors will be in our schools to assist students when they return.  As parents/caregivers we want to help you recognize possible reactions you may observe in your child.  If you feel your child is in need of immediate assistance or is having a great deal of difficulty coping, please call the Children’s Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. This is call is free, national, bilingual, confidential, anonymous and available 24 hours.  We also encourage you to visit  http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/wildfire.aspx for additional information for those experiencing a traumatic event.

Fort McMurray Public Schools continues to work closely with Emergency Services to cope with the devastating effects of the fire.  Please observe your child closely over the next several days and weeks to watch for signs of distress which may indicate a need for additional support and guidance.

Sincerely,

Doug Nicholls