Dear Parents and Guardians,
RSU 10 is very serious about making sure students are safe and prepared for emergency situations. All RSU 10 staff has been training in the ALICE safety protocol. ALICE is a federally endorsed safety protocol. The letters ALICE stand for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate:
Alert – inform people of the threat, giving as much information as possible.
Lockdown – Students and staff can choose to lockdown and barricade the room that they are in if they determine that it is not safe to evacuate.
Inform – pass on as much information as possible to others and to First Responders, including calling 911.
Counter – an effort of last resort, if an armed intruder is able to get into the space they are in, individuals can counter with distraction or other tactics. Staff are being trained to use every effort to stop the intruder, instead of relying on the traditional lockdown and hide response.
Evacuate – If it is safe to do so, all are encouraged to evacuate the building, and remove themselves from the threat.
During the 2018-19 school year RSU 10 staff participated in ALICE training in each of our schools. During ALICE training, staff were trained in different options for responding to a school emergency including intruder’s intent on doing harm. In certain circumstances, the “lock the door and hide” strategy may be appropriate. In some cases, the teacher may take precautions to barricade the entrance(s) of the classroom. Under certain conditions, it might be the best decision for the teacher and students to flee the building. The goal of ALICE training is that the strategies learned will increase the chances that our staff and students survive in an emergency including if an armed intruder ever were to occur. Additionally, please keep in mind that the skills of ALICE protocols are transferable to multiple scenarios, beyond the walls of the school and school grounds.
Training in ALICE protocols will continue for RSU 10 staff through the 2019-20 school year. MVMS staff will share information about ALICE protocols with students to prepare our school in the event of a crisis situation. On November 19, 2019 we will work with Grades 6-8 students and present crisis scenarios and conduct tabletop classroom discussions about how we might respond within the ALICE crisis protocol. We are very aware of the different needs of our 5th Grade population and are prepared to introduce this topic to them with the book, “I’m Not Scared, I’m Prepared: Because I Know All About Alice,” and age appropriate discussions about responding to crisis situations This video explains the book and how the topic is approached with younger students (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4vmSsgkhHc).
We are very sensitive to the fact that this is a scary topic for both kids and adults. Hopefully, our focus on being prepared will reduce fear and anxiety about these difficult situations. We ask that you check in with your child about the discussions as we believe this activity will provide opportunities for families to have open, frank conversations, as well.
At MVMS, our next steps in crisis training will include a voluntary after-school drill that will include parents, students, staff and law enforcement. Please watch for more information and let us know if you are interested in participating in our next steps.
Sincerely,
Ryan Casey
Principal