Upper School Parent and Student Handbook 2024-2025

Darlington has posted a crisis management plan in every office, classroom, and dorm on campus. In the event of an emergency, the plan should be used as a guide for faculty, staff, and students.

Throughout the course of the school year Darlington students, faculty, and staff will practice fire and tornado drills in accordance with the State of Georgia’s Office of Safety and Floyd County Emergency Management.  

In the event of an emergency, Darlington also will send a broadcast message to the community using the school's phone, intercom, email, and text messaging systems.

Inclement Weather
In case of inclement weather, Darlington School will make an independent decision on opening or late arrival, and this information will be posted on the school website by 6 a.m. Rome's local media will also be notified by 6 a.m. and asked to make announcements.

In the event school is canceled due to the threat of inclement weather students should expect to receive an academic assignment to be completed before the next regularly scheduled class meeting. 

Thunderstorm
During the threat of a thunderstorm or when lightning detection equipment located on the Upper School campus and near the athletic fields is activated, everyone should move indoors.

• Remain indoors until the storm has passed.
• Wait for an “all clear” signal from proper authorities.

Campus Lightning Warning System 
The lightning warning systems, located strategically around the academic campus and athletic fields, is designed to alert students, coaches and spectators of approaching inclement weather. 

• The horn sounds when lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius.
• Everyone should proceed to the nearest building and remain there for 30 minutes until the “all clear” horn signal.
• Each time lightning is detected the wait time extends another 30 minutes.
• The “all clear” horn will sound when lightning has not been detected for 30 minutes.
• If lightning is detected after the “all clear” horn, another horn will sound and the above procedures should be followed again.
• As long as the yellow light appears over the lighting horn, it is not safe to be outside.

Tornado
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted and may affect the reported area.

• When a tornado warning has been announced over the school’s intercom system everyone  should move to the nearest indoor “safe location.”
• Stay calm and quiet.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Stay seated on the floor with your back to the wall.
• Use coats and jackets to cover head, arms, and legs
• If unable to relocate to an indoor “safe location, move to a low-lying area or ditch and lie flat.
• Remain until the “all clear” signal has been given.

NOTE:  Students will NOT be released into their parent's custody in the event the school is in a lockdown for a Tornado warning.

Accidents, Injury, Illness, Suicide, Death
In the case of injury or illness on campus, the first responder should follow Crisis Plan procedures for Medical Emergency and contact the Crisis Team Manager. In response to suicide or death on campus, the first responder should contact the CTM, follow Crisis Plan procedures for Medical Emergency, and call 911.

Medical Emergency - On Campus
1. Call 911 and provide:

• Name of the person needing medical attention
• Location
• Building information
• Special directions regarding gate entrance
• Advise that there will be an adult at the gate to lead them to the site.

2. Call Student Health Center at 706-236-0428.

3. Call the Administrator on Duty (AOD) at 706-314-3619 and the Crisis Team Manager.

Electrical Power Failure or Water Main, Sewer, or Electrical Power Break
1. Keep the surrounding area clear until help arrives.

2. During school hours, contact Facilities. After school, contact Security or Maintenance.

3. Should evacuation become necessary, make your way to the respective evacuation area that coincides with your location.

Fire, Explosion, etc.
1.  Shout “fire” repeatedly to give alert. Pull the fire alarm.

2. If appropriate, extinguish fire. Ensure you have a clear path of escape.

3. Evacuate the building to the specific building evacuation location.

4. Call 911 and provide:

• Your name
• Your location
• Building information
• Special directions regarding gate entrance
• Advise that there will be an adult at the gate to lead them to the site.

5. Contact the AOD and Security.

6. No one should return to the building until the “all clear” is given.

7.  It is not required to evacuate all campus buildings for a fire alarm in one building.

Evacuation is required if the fire alarm sounds, or in the event of an obvious threat.

Virtual Day

In some circumstances a virtual day will be called for the school.  Please see the topic "School Schedule, Calendar and Hours" under the Academic Life section in this handbook for futher information.