Safe Schools

Response plans are one important tool that we use a FCSD#2 to protect the safety and security of our students and employees during an emergency. Depending on the emergency, there are two types of lockdowns that we use at FCSD#2 in addition to the ALICE training we have received. ALICE is an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate.

• Low-Level Lockdown: This is when all exterior doors are locked and outdoor activities are avoided as much as possible. Efforts are made to maintain a regular schedule and routine for students during a low-level lockdown. This may be used in a variety of situations including a medical emergency with a student or employee.
• High-Level Lockdown: This requires that all doors inside and outside of the building to be locked and for students and staff to remain in the classrooms and offices. There is no movement in the halls or between rooms during a high-level lockdown. This is used if there is a serious threat on or near the school setting.
• ALICE Training:
  • Alert – This is your first notification of danger.
  • Lockdown – Lock down the classroom/office.
  • Inform – Communicate with first responders and administrators.
  • Counter – Actions that have the potential to distract and reduce the ability of the intruder.
  • Evacuate – When it is safe to do so, move to a safe area away from the danger zone.

Parents are important partners in our efforts to keep students safe during and after a lockdown. Getting the news that your child’s school has gone into lockdown can be a scary or stressful experience for any parent. Here are things you can do to help keep your student safe during a lockdown:

• Stay away from the school or emergency site. Emergency responders and school district employees will need to focus on the needs of students and staff. Phone calls and office arrivals can make this very difficult.
• Remain calm and wait for information from the school or district. We will text, email, and/or call you as soon and as often as we have information to share.
• Avoid calling the school or district office for more information. We will share information and updates with parents as quickly as we are able. Calling us with questions can often make this take longer and tie up phone lines used to communicate.
• Trust us to keep your child safe, just like you do on a regular basis. This can be really hard if you are emotional or feeling a sense of panic. But picking up your child during a crisis can send a message to children that school is not a safe place which interferes with learning on other, regular days. It is especially important to keep yourself safe by staying away from the emergency scene.
• Remember that our teachers, staff, and emergency responders are trained to respond to emergencies in a way that protects the well being of every student in our care. Our most important goal, every day, is to keep your student safe. This is especially true during an emergency.

When you talk to your child after an emergency your questions, comments, and tone will make a big difference. Consider the following steps to help your child process:

• Ask your child what they know about the emergency. You may find that they know very little and are not trying to find out more. That’s okay!
• Ask what your child’s teacher did to keep everyone safe. Maybe it’s locking doors, turning off lights, and being quiet. Most importantly, it focuses the conversation on the actions that adults took to keep them safe.
• Talk about the helpers who kept everyone safe. These may be the teachers and staff, emergency responders, or others. Talk about how brave these people are in their work to keep others safe.
• Ask how your child felt during the emergency and acknowledge that it’s okay to feel that way (scared, nervous, anxious, etc.) Ask how he or she is feeling now and acknowledge that it’s okay to feel that way too.
• Watch for lingering signs of stress over the following days and weeks. Anxiety about school, lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping, or any behavior that is out of the ordinary. These may mean that your child still needs help healing from the trauma of the crisis. We can help.

After a school emergency, keep in mind that your child may or may not know a lot about what happened during the lockdown. Follow your child’s lead about the information he or she knows or wants, and contact the school if your child would benefit from the support of a counselor or social worker as they process their feelings and fears.