The Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools is committed to providing the safest possible environment for its students and staff. Over the years we have taken great steps in the matter of securing our schools, most recently with the entrance changes at both Gurney Elementary and the High School. We have also trained our students and staff what to do in the event of an emergency on campus. As part of that preparation, each building is required by law to run simulated safety drills.
The district follows the ALICE proactive strategies that empower individuals to participate in their own survival using proactive response options. ALICE is an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate.
Alert- Getting the word out using clear and concise language and describing the location of the event.
Lockdown- Includes locking doors and barricading to deny entry into a room/space.
Inform- Continual communication keeping the staff and students informed which allows for decision making.
Counter- Only used if evacuation and lockdown are not possible. Students/staff use movement, noise, distance, distractions, and using our overwhelming numbers to gain control of the situation, as is age and ability appropriate.
Evacuate- Considered the most desirable option when possible, students and staff evacuate the building to a designated meeting point.
This protocol and training method provide our students and staff with skills and options that can be applied to any environment. These options include escaping, barricading the door, and protecting oneself by any means necessary should an armed intruder enter the room.
This morning around 9:30am the High School and Middle School ran a Safety Drill, simulating a threat in each building. We partnered with Chagrin Falls Police Department who assisted in facilitating the drill. In today’s simulation, an announcement over the PA system clearly indicated that this was a drill. Staff were provided with a scenario and used this learning opportunity to brainstorm/train for potential responses in a structured guided simulation. Once the drill was over, Administration and members of the Chagrin Falls Police Department walked around and debriefed with many students and staff, commending them on their exemplary performance during the drill. The purpose of the trainings and drills are to prepare students and staff to react accordingly in the unfortunate event of a threat or emergency in the building. We will continue to partner with the Police Department to ensure the safety and security of students and staff at the 7-12 campus. Please feel free to contact the High School and Middle School administration with any questions.
Monica Asher
Principal, Chagrin Falls High School
Amanda Rassi
Assistant Principal, Chagrin Falls High School
Laila Discenza
Principal, Chagrin Falls Middle School
