Dear South Bay Families,
I want to extend a huge shout-out to the incredible staff here at South Bay, who ensured the safety of our students during Thursday's earthquake and tsunami warning. The response from our students was exemplary, as all classrooms quickly and calmly instructed students to take cover under their desks before evacuating to the playground, then moving to the upper field—an area outside of the tsunami zone. Throughout the entire event, our students remained safe and composed.
During the continued tsunami warning, students talked with their peers, enjoyed a picnic lunch on the upper field, and once the all-clear was given, we returned to class with clear instructions on how to handle future earthquakes.
Our team gathered to reflect on the day's events and discuss ways to further enhance safety measures in the future. Given that South Bay is located in a tsunami zone, we want to ensure that both students and staff are always protected. Our upper field will continue to serve as our designated safe area in case of a tsunami warning, as it is in the safe zone.
We understand that you may want to pick up your child after an earthquake or when a tsunami warning has been issued. However, during a tsunami evacuation warning, driving though the low lying areas around our school could pose a real danger to you and your child. We ask that you consider this should you choose to pick your child up while the evacuation warning is in effect. If you need to pick up your child while a warning is still in effect, please enter the campus through the library gate (located in the middle of the parking lot) and proceed up to the upper field for check-out where our staff will assist you in reunification.
Please rest assured that we are committed to keeping your child safe at South Bay. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Warm regards,
Heather Becksted
Principal, South Bay
