In the upcoming week we will conduct our November Safety Drill, which will be a Lockdown Drill. This year, MMUUSD elementary principals have adopted a trauma-informed, discussion-based approach to these drills. We practice these Options-Based Response Drills twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring, to ensure that all students know how to respond safely and calmly in an emergency. You can see the scripts that teachers will use during the discussion based drill here: PK Script, K-4 Script. The scripts emphasizes the importance of students listening to teacher directions in the event of an emergency. 

The safety of students and staff is our first priority.  Therefore, the Mount Mansfield Unified Union (MMUUSD) schools follow the protocols and procedures contained in the current edition of the Vermont School Crisis Guide as well as VT Agency of Education safety requirements.  Additionally, based on guidance and recommendations from the Vermont School Crisis Team, Vermont School Safety Center, FBI and US Department of Homeland security we will take an options-based approach to safety, i.e. Run/Hide/Fight.  This methodology does not replace current safety protocols for evacuation, sheltering in place or other emergency response procedures, but does give additional tools that may be used to respond to an active threat.  You can find a link to the Run/Hide/Fight protocol on the Homeland Security website here.  

We have learned that no one size response plan fits each incident and teachers, administrators and students need to have options so that they can effectively respond based on a specific set of circumstances.  We will be practicing option-based drills during the school year in a developmentally appropriate manner in order to minimize anxiety for students.  While the very unexpected nature of a crisis may make preparation difficult, MMUUSD believes that staff and students should be ready to respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.  School violence and other emergency events can be difficult to discuss and consider, but we must do our best to be prepared. One of the requirements is for schools to conduct two Options Based Response Drills throughout the school year, one in the fall and one in the spring. RES will be holding the first Options Based Drill the week of November 17th. Please know that age appropriate steps will be taken to reduce student anxiety.

Each school has an Emergency Response Plan, which provides a comprehensive framework for school emergency crisis management. It addresses the roles and responsibilities of town and school organizations and provides a link to local, State, Federal, and private organizations and resources that may be activated to address school emergencies in the supervisory union. These plans are evaluated regularly by our Crisis Response Team and follow all state and local guidelines.

Important details about the Emergency Response Plan:

1. The safety plan is not public information and copies will not be given out.  Parents can be notified of the plan and some of the details, but specific parts will remain confidential for the safety of students and staff.   

2. The safety plan was designed to be similar at all MMUUSD schools.  This was done for the following reasons:

a)   Responding police officers will have a general knowledge of how the plan works regardless of what school they respond to.

b)   Substitute teachers and other district employees who move from school to school will also have a basic knowledge of how the plan works no matter where they are.

3. The safety plan is under constant refinement and will change as situations change or potential threats are determined.

4. While no safety plan can deal with all possible dangers, and while no safety plan can guarantee the safety of everyone involved, it has been shown that having a plan in place and practicing for potential emergencies helps ensure the safety of the students and staff.  Further, it supports smooth operation in the event an evacuation is necessary. 

Included with this letter is a guide that outlines the following:

1. When And Why Are Students and Staff Asked to Lockdown, Lockout, Shelter-in-Place, or Evacuate

2. Parent Responsibilities During a School Emergency and Reunification After a School Emergency

3.   Safety Terms and Procedures

4.   How You Will Be Reunited With Your Child

5.   How Parents Can Help

6.   Recommendations If a School Emergency Occurs

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Sincerely,

Jeremy Rector

Principal

Richmond Elementary School