At Killeen ISD, our first priority is always student safety — and that includes making sure families feel informed and reassured when something unexpected happens at school.
From time to time, situations may arise that require a temporary change in school routines — like a medical emergency in a hallway, nearby police activity, a fire alarm, or other disruptions. In those moments, our schools follow a set of Standard Response Protocols designed to keep students and staff safe, calm, and supported.
We also know it’s important for you to understand what’s happening — and what kind of communication you can expect from us. We are committed to using clear, simple language that keeps families informed — without creating unnecessary worry.
What Are Standard Response Protocols?
These are simple, consistent actions that all KISD campuses use to respond to different types of situations:
Hold – Students remain in classrooms while hallways are cleared. Learning continues as normal. Often used during medical events or when support is needed in the building.
Secure – The school is locked from the outside. Used when there is police activity or a potential threat nearby, but not on campus.
Lockdown – Students stay silent, out of sight, and follow adult instructions. Used only when there is a possible threat inside the building.
Evacuate – Students move to a different location for safety, often used during fire alarms, observation of smoke or gas smells.
Shelter – Students take protective action during severe weather or environmental hazards.
All KISD staff are trained in these protocols, and campuses regularly practice them to ensure everyone knows what to do quickly and calmly.
When Will I Be Notified as a Parent or Guardian?
Our goal is to communicate quickly and clearly during school safety situations — but there are some important things to understand:
Not every response protocol will result in a family notification. For example, a brief “Hold” for a hallway clean-up or a non-emergency medical concern may not always trigger a message home.
You will be notified when there is a situation that significantly impacts school operations or could raise concern (for example, emergency vehicles on campus, a prolonged response, or anything involving community interest).
Notifications may come from your school principal, the district office, or both — depending on the situation.
We do our best to inform families once it’s safe to do so, while staff remain focused on addressing the situation itself.
What Will the Notification Say — and Not Say?
We understand it can be alarming to see fire trucks, police vehicles, or ambulances at a school. When appropriate, we will let you know:
What protocol was used (Hold, Secure, etc.)
That students and staff are safe and following procedures
When the situation is resolved or no longer impacts the school day
To protect the privacy of students and staff, we will not share specific medical, disciplinary, or personal details. This includes the identity of individuals involved or the exact nature of a private health or behavior situation. We appreciate your understanding and trust in these moments.
How Will I Get Updates?
Depending on the situation, you may receive updates through text or email from your child’s school. Additionally, you may also receive:
Automated phone calls (for more urgent matters)
Notifications via the KISD mobile app
District social media (for broader updates)
If a situation is ongoing, we may provide more than one message. When it’s resolved, we’ll confirm that as well.
Our Commitment to You
We may not always be able to communicate immediately or share every detail — but our commitment is to keep you informed when it matters and always act in the best interest of student safety and privacy.
If you ever have questions about your school’s safety procedures or how we communicate during an event, we encourage you to contact your campus directly or visit www.killeenisd.org/safety.
We’re here to keep your children safe — and to keep you informed in ways that are clear, respectful, and helpful to your family.