Dear Parents,

As we continue to complete our return to normal, we need to return to one of the unfortunate realities of school safety, and this is preparation for all types of emergencies, including intruders. Several years ago, all of the archdiocesan schools were trained in a protocol called ALICE. ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. Essentially the program consists of two major components, becoming aware of a potential threat and then responding. ‘Alert’ and ‘inform’ teach staff to be mindful of their surroundings (‘if you see something, say something’) and to be as clear as possible in describing the potential threat when they are made aware of it.

The ‘alert’ could be hearing an air horn or an announcement over the PA. The ‘inform’ would let people know where someone was in the building and what they looked like/wearing. ‘Lockdown’, ‘counter’ and ‘evacuate’ are the possible responses. While ‘evacuate’ is listed last, it really is the first option, if available. Staff and students are encouraged to evacuate if it is deemed safe to do so. ‘Counter’, physically resisting an intruder, is not recommended for elementary school settings, but there may be adults in the building who are forced into this response. ‘Lockdown’ is essentially spread out and shelter in place.
These are difficult drills to do with students and they can trigger some strong emotional responses, but they are necessary. We have started talking to the students about doing a ‘lockdown’ drill. We tailor our discussions to the grade level of the students but we know that doesn't allay everyone’s anxiety. We have had a couple of regular fire drills with the students this year and they have gone well. We will practice our first ‘lockdown’ drill with the students after Easter break, but we have already started having discussions with them about it.

Later, when we work with students on an evacuation drill, they will be instructed to gather at the library on Connecticut Avenue during a real evacuation. We will notify parents before we complete any of these drills and we will probably not go all the way to the library during a drill. But, on a nice day this Spring, we will do a walking field trip with the younger students so that they have some familiarity with it.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the ALICE program.
 
Remember that due to Week of the Arts, there is NO HOT LUNCH, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. All students should pack lunch and will eat in their classrooms. Please remember to only pack water. We do not allow juices or milk in the classrooms.