Emergency Drill This Morning

Good morning,

As many of you are aware, we are consistently taking steps to ensure that our school is prepared for a variety of emergencies. This includes regular fire drills, review of evacuation procedures, and discussions and drills in the event of an intruder. Sadly, these are the times we live in, and, while we are confident and comfortable in the safety and security at UHS, it is important for us to review protocols regularly with staff and students.

This morning, in collaboration with our public safety partners and led by School Resource Officer Dan Deveau, we are conducting a lockdown and intruder drill with students that will not necessitate an evacuation, but will allow students to be informed of proper procedures in the event that an emergency lockdown is needed. In providing a variety of scenarios, teachers will review proper responses while addressing circumstances unique to the classroom. In time, we will have students review at different times and in different periods to see both the continuity from one class to the next and for particular areas of the building.

Because of the sensitive nature of these conversations, we do anticipate some students potentially struggling, and we have our counselors and staff members being vigilant in noticing when students may be responding with heightened anxiety. Those students will be directed to counselors for support.

This morning's drill will commence around 9:25 and conclude by 9:45. After its conclusion, we will send a message notifying families of its end. At home, while difficult dinnertime conversation, it may be worthwhile to discuss with students their perceptions and understanding of what took place, recognizing that there is no set playbook for these potential scenarios. Additionally, we have worked with our public safety partners to devise off-site evacuation plans, in the event that we should ever need to leave UHS for a neutral site. Generally, this occurs in the event of a town safety or health concern and when dismissal to home is not considered a viable option. Today’s drill will not include any evacuation of any kind, however.

We thank you as always for the support. Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions.

Sincerely,

Michael Rubin

Principal