Dear Elementary Families,
We remain committed to providing the safest possible environment for our students, your children. Through ongoing practice opportunities, we can provide a safe space for our students to learn from their teachers and other trusted adults in their schools and to help improve their preparedness. Therefore, we will continue conducting safety drills during the 2022-2023 school year at all of our elementary buildings. We are required, by law, to run 3 drills related to lockdowns.
The tentative drills/lessons for Oxford Elementary are planned for the week of October 24th. We are communicating the dates because we understand that there may be some sensitivity around these drills/lessons because of the tragedy that occurred in our district. While these can be emotional, it is important to be prepared.
For our elementary students, we will continue to keep the drill age appropriate. Our major emphasis will be on the importance of listening to their teacher’s direction when in a potentially dangerous situation. In fact, this is something you can help us reinforce at home.
Once again, our teachers will reread the book “I’m Not Scared, I’m Prepared! Because I Know All About ALICE” by nationally-award winning children’s author, Julia Cook. Through this book, your child’s teacher will teach and practice skills in a low-key manner. Students as young as kindergarten, must know they can make a difference. Again, the main focus will be for students to follow a teacher’s directions in a potentially dangerous situation.
Below, please find a link to the picture book. Families may choose to purchase the book at their discretion to further discuss the contents.
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Not-Scared-Prepared/dp/1937870286/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540577878&sr=8-2&keywords=I%27m+prepared+not+scared
Additionally, below, please find a video that you can watch to help you revisit the discussion with your child at home. It is based on the picture book.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4vmSsgkhHc
What does ALICE mean?
Alert We will get the word out using clear concise language and describe the location of the event.
Lockdown This is still a good starting point. The Lockdown will include locking the door but also barricading so as to deny entry.
Inform Continual communication keeping the staff and students informed allows for good decision making.
Counter Apply skills of movement, noise, distance, distractions and using our overwhelming numbers to gain control of the situation, as is age and ability appropriate. This is only if evacuation and lockdown is not possible.
Evacuate Reduce the number of potential targets for the shooter and reduce chances of injuries resulting from friendly fire when help arrives.
We will utilize a phased approach to the three drills:
- Drill/Lesson 1: Reading the book, talking about the importance of following directions; at a separate time, as not to create fear, we will have all students practice inserting a night lock.
- Drill/Lesson 2: Review drill 1 (book, following directions, and night lock usage) and talk through a possible scenario
- Drill/Lesson 3: Scenario practice
Our goal with ALICE training, and with all of our new security measures, is to assure, as much as possible, the safety of every child and every adult in our school buildings.
If you do have any additional questions after previewing the materials, please contact Mr. Jeff Brown at [email protected] or (248) 969-5076
Sincerely,
Oxford Elementary School