ALICE Drill, 9/21

 Good evening,

On Wednesday, September 21st at 9:15 a.m., Uxbridge High School will be participating in a LockDown Drill.  This drill is no different than our required fire drills. The Uxbridge Public School District has a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan developed and maintained in continuous collaboration with the Uxbridge Police Department and Uxbridge Fire Department.  It is expected that all students participate in the prescribed emergency drills in their schools as instructed by the school administration and staff.  It is imperative that students understand the importance of engaging in these procedures in a serious manner so as to be fully prepared should an emergency arise during the school day. 

There are three types of drills that are required for all staff and students in all school buildings during the school year:   

Evacuation/Fire Drill – is used when it is important to move away from the building to a secure location away from the building.  These drills will take place at least four times per year under the direction of the Uxbridge Fire Department. 

Shelter in Place – is used to protect staff and students from incidents and/or distractions that are taking place in the hallway.  A hold in place implies that instruction should continue within the classroom, and that students should remain in the classroom until further notice. These drills will take place at least two times per year.  

Lockdown – is used to protect staff and students from a threat inside the building.  It is to be used when it may be more dangerous to evacuate the building than it is to stay in a secure classroom within the school and utilize tactics from ALICE training.   These drills will take place in coordination with the Uxbridge Police Department.   

Emergencies are unexpected, unpredictable, and take many forms.  No one can ever be fully prepared for everything that may happen as each situation happens in its own unique context.  However, the district Incident Management Plan is designed to provide a proven framework within those unique situations on which leaders and staff can rely.  When a school’s procedures are well rehearsed and automatic, the opportunity for a school leader to assess the situation and make appropriate immediate decisions is greater.   

During Wednesday's drill, there will be no announcement other than the initial call that a “LOCKDOWN DRILL” has been initiated. During this drill, Uxbridge PD will be on scene conducting interior and exterior checks of the building. Role players are not involved in this drill.

During this drill, the following topics and scenarios may be discussed with students.  All discussions will occur in an age appropriate fashion:

1. Review the difference between a lockdown and shelter in place
1. Lockdown - there is a threat inside or outside the building that poses a danger to their safety (This could be a rabid animal.)
2. Shelter in place - there is an incident happening in the school that does not pose any threat to safety.  Class instruction may continue.  All students and staff must remain in their room until drill or incident has concluded.

Review ALICE Procedures:

NOTE: ALICE IS USED IN ANY SITUATION THAT A LOCKDOWN/LOCKDOWN-DRILL IS CALLED

During this part, teachers will review ALICE protocol with students.

A - ALERT - PA announcement or any other communication of an active threat.  Note that this can be initiated by observations of teachers/students or PA announcements. If possible, pass information to notify others. Anyone may initiate the alert. Does not have to come from the principal or main office.

L - LOCKDOWN - Once threat is acknowledged, lock the door and prepare to barricade if warranted.

I - INFORM - The more information gathered, make decisions on actions taken (evacuate or barricade). This may come from additional announcements or your own observations.

C - COUNTER - Last resort: If there is no other option. Engage. Items may be thrown at the intruder, etc.

E - EVACUATE - THIS IS THE BEST OPTION.  If the threat is in another part of the building, evacuation is the best choice. After exiting the building, get as far away from the building as possible to a safe distance. Listen to your teacher’s instructions.  It’s best if the group is able to stay together during evacuation.--

As with any drill, we anticipate there being a number of responses and questions, and we have developed the means to engage students and staff in feedback. Drills such as this help develop our own acuity and situational awareness, even as we hope to never have to draw on these experiences and learnings. Also, please be aware that access to the campus may be limited during the drill.

Finally, we are grateful for the support of our Student Resource Officer, Dan Deveau, and our Dean of Students, Dave Moura, who have coordinated this drill for our school. Feel free to contact either of them or me directly to discuss any concerns or questions. 

Sincerely yours,

Michael D. Rubin

Principal, Uxbridge High School