April 24, 2023
Dear Leonard Families,
We remain committed to providing the safest possible environment for our students, your children. 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 help improve their preparedness. Therefore, we will continue conducting safety drills during the 2022-2023 school year at all our elementary buildings.
We are required, by law, to run 3 drills related to lockdowns.
Leonard’s third drill is planned for 5/15/23. 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 in a potentially dangerous situation. In fact, this is something you can help us reinforce at home.
For drill 3, 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 doors or windows, depending on the room. No actual evacuation outside will occur. Again, the focus will be for students to follow a teacher’s directions in a potentially dangerous situation.
What does ALICE mean?
Alert Communication to staff and students using clear concise language to give direction and information.
Lockdown This is still a good starting point. The Lockdown will include using the night lock system. Where appropriate, barricading may be discussed or practiced.
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 Leave the building if possible and appropriate. Discuss the reunification site.
We have utilized a phased approach to the three drills:
- Drill/Lesson 1: Reading the book, talking about the importance of following directions; at a separate time, as not to create fear, have students viewing or practice inserting a night lock.
- Drill/Lesson 2: Review drill 1 (book, following directions, and night lock usage) and talk through a possible scenario
- Drill/Lesson 3: Scenario practice
In drill 1 and 2 teachers read the book “I’m Not Scared, I’m Prepared! Because I Know All About ALICE” by nationally-award winning children’s author, Julia Cook. 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 our new security measures, is to assure, as much as possible, the safety of every child and every adult in our school buildings.
If you do have any additional questions after previewing the materials, please contact Principal, Paul McDevitt at [email protected] or 248-969-5302.
Sincerely,
Paul McDevitt
Principal, Leonard Elementary