April 2023
Dear Lakeville Families,
We remain committed to providing the safest possible environment for our school community. Through ongoing practice opportunities, we can provide a safe space for our students to learn from their teachers and other trusted adults in their schools and to help improve their preparedness. Therefore, we will continue conducting safety drills during the 2022-2023 school year at all of our elementary buildings. We are required, by law, to run 3 drills related to lockdowns.
Lakeville’s last ALICE drill of the year is planned for 4/20/23. We are communicating the date because we understand that there may be some sensitivity around these drills/lessons because of the tragedy that occurred in our district. While these can be emotional, it is important to be prepared.
For our elementary students, we will continue to keep the drill age appropriate. Our major emphasis will be on the importance of listening to their teacher’s direction when in a potentially dangerous situation. In fact, this is something you can help us reinforce at home.
For this last drill, teachers will review all parts of ALICE with students and discuss. For E-Evacuate, teachers will review where nearest exits are, which may include the use of windows. No actual evacuation outside will occur for this drill. Again, the main focus will be for students to follow staff members directions.
What does ALICE mean?
Alert We will get the word out using clear concise language and describe the location of the event.
Lockdown This is still a good starting point. The Lockdown will include locking the door but also barricading so as to deny entry.
Inform Continual communication keeping the staff and students informed allows for good decision making.
Counter Apply skills of movement, noise, distance, distractions and using our overwhelming numbers to gain control of the situation, as is age and ability appropriate. This is only if evacuation and lockdown is not possible.
Evacuate Reduce the number of potential targets for the shooter, and reduce chances of injuries resulting from friendly fire when help arrives.
We have utilized a phased approach to these three drills this school year:
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Drill/Lesson 1: Reading the book, talking about the importance of following directions; at a separate time, as not to create fear, we will have all students practice inserting a night lock.
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Drill/Lesson 2: Review drill 1 (book, following directions, and night lock usage) and talk through a possible scenario
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Drill/Lesson 3: Practice Lockdown, discuss Counter, discuss Evacuate
In drill 1 and 2 the book, “I’m Not Scared, I’m Prepared! Because I Know All About ALICE” by nationally-award winning children’s author Julia Cook was read to students. Please see the link for the picture book. Families may choose to purchase the book at their discretion to further discuss the contents.
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Not-Scared-Prepared/dp/1937870286/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540577878&sr=8-2&keywords=I%27m+prepared+not+scared
Additionally, below, please find a video that you can watch to help you revisit the discussion with your child at home. It is based on the picture book.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4vmSsgkhHc
Our goal with ALICE training, and with all of our security measures, is to assure, as much as possible, the safety of every child and every adult in our school buildings.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Guinn