The following is a letter to district families regarding an upcoming A.L.I.C.E. drill. Please read the entire letter and reach out to your child’s principal if you have any questions or concerns.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Sto-Rox School District has adopted a critical response strategy for safety known as the A.L.I.C.E. plan to keep our children safe. As you may recall, this plan was first implemented during the 2023-2024 school year. A.L.I.C.E. stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate.
Before the A.L.I.C.E. plan, procedures to fully and safely secure the campus involved the staff locking their doors, moving the students to a part of the room where they could not be seen, and quietly remaining there until an “all clear” announcement was given. However, research shows that it is not the most effective way to counter school violence. A.L.I.C.E. uses technology and information to help staff and students make informed decisions in a crisis. The A.L.I.C.E. plan helps us remove as many people as possible from danger and provides realistic training to increase everyone’s chances of survival.
During the 2024-2025 school year, the A.L.I.C.E. plan will be implemented in phases, with the first drill will be held on September 19th at 9:30 AM. Teachers will provide direction to the students on what actions need to be taken, so it is very important that students listen and follow directions given, as this drill is not predictable like a fire drill or tornado drill.
Here is what will happen during the first A.L.I.C.E. drill in September:
It will include an ALERT in the form of an announcement from the principal notifying everyone in the building of the location of the “danger zone.”
Those areas of the building within the “danger zone” will practice LOCKDOWN and discuss alternate exits from the classroom, such as a window, but will not physically exit their classroom during the first drill.
The principal will continue to INFORM the building of any changes in the “danger zone.”
The COUNTER portion of the plan will be introduced in a subsequent phase later in the school year.
Those classrooms not in the “danger zone” will practice the EVACUATE portion of the plan if hallways and exits are deemed safe based on the information communicated.
Teachers will not know the location of the “danger zone” before the drill. This will allow them to practice developing a strategy that provides the safest outcome for their students Therefore, it is very important for the students to listen to the directions given by their teacher, as the course of action during these drills will not always be the same.
Developmentally-younger students need constant reminders of safe practices in order for them to make good decisions related to their personal safety. Parents can prepare their children for the A.L.I.C.E. plan by helping them understand the following objectives at home.
There are people of all ages, color, and types that can be mean and may wish them harm.
Self-confidence comes from trying things that are hard and getting better each time.
There are many solutions and options when faced with a problem.
When your child is prepared for difficult situations, they can make informed, more rational decisions and will have more self-control.
Your child is smart and capable when they are equipped with the proper knowledge.
Help your child identify and assess possible crisis situations.
Have your child demonstrate the ability to get away from someone who has their hands on them.
Have your child explain the different safety drills and what they mean.
Help your child name where they need to go in case of evacuation (different for each classroom).
Discuss the importance of promptly following the teacher’s directions.
Details surrounding additional drills will be communicated during the second half of the 2024-2025 school year. Please be sure your child’s school has the most up-to-date contact information for you and other emergency contacts. Additionally, please contact the school principal if you have any related questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Megan Marie Van Fossan
Megan Marie Van Fossan, M.A., M.Ed.
Superintendent
Sto-Rox School District