I am trying to understand why, in a planned scenario which is not a crisis, you think the parents should NOT be notified as to where their children’s physical bodies would be if they are not in the school or at least on school property like the parents are assuming? What would the harm be in notifying and gaining parental consent? A true emergency is just that, an emergency, parental consent and knowledge would not hinder a drill as most would be aware and say “sure!”.
"...uh...maybe that’s why it’s good to practice these scenerios...to work out the problems."
Here's a hypothetical staff meeting AFTER the recent PRACTICE relocation drill:
Principal says: "Staff, any one have any suggestions as to how we can improve our next relocation drill?"
Staff members suggest:
"A bus ran out of gas. Make sure there is enough gas in each bus."
"Have a couple of big RubberMaid tubs of snacks and drinks ready to go with each bus."
"Make sure each bus has a walky-talky."
"Have maps in each bus showing alternative routes."
"Oh yeah...please, please, please...let's notify the parents by mail, robo-call, and student notes WELL IN ADVANCE of the event. Remember all the parent calls we got?"
Principal replies: "ALL good suggestions...especially the one about notifying the parents. We should also get permission slips signed."