Dear Riverview Families:
In order to comply with Act 143, we will hold our second ALICE (lockdown) drill of the year on March 4th at 2:30. We have taken a proactive approach to school safety at Riverview. Our team uses ALICE, a research-based response strategy designed primarily for schools, which teaches the following action steps: Alert - Lockdown - Inform - Counter - Evacuate. During the drill, we will simulate an intruder in the building by utilizing the two way radio system. Classroom teachers will make the decision according to the radio alert if the class will barricade in the classroom or evacuate outside. The teachers will go over this drill scenario with the students prior to March 4th.
In addition to training our team under the guidelines of the Department of Public Instruction and the Department of Justice, we also have worked to update and maintain our School Safety Plan. Just like we conduct fire and tornado drills, we conduct two lockdown drills each school year. Our staff members will be speaking with the students prior to the drill, in order to remind them of the process and intended outcomes. You can assist us in having a successful drill by providing further discussion at home.
The key messages we share are that we practice [all] drills so that everyone is prepared and knows just what to do in case of an emergency. We practice drills so that we can continue to review our systems to ensure that we are both up-to-date in recommended practices and procedures, and so that if there are any areas of recommended improvement we can make alterations for the future. Finally, we practice drills at various times during the year and day so that we can prepare for a variety of situations. Input from our safety team and teachers will help drive the direction and speed with which we proceed with our drills.
We will send an email at 2:30 to indicate the drill is beginning. While the drill is in progress, visitors in the building will be required to participate in the drill; those attempting to enter the building will not be allowed access until the drill is complete. After the drill is complete, an additional email will be sent to confirm the drill has ended. Thank you for your understanding as we work to create and maintain a safe environment for your children. I know that while important, this is an uncomfortable topic to think about. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of our admin team.
Thank you,
Riverview Administration