Iola-Scandinavia Elementary School took significant steps to bolster safety by conducting an active shooter preparedness drill on Nov. 13, according to a report to be submitted to the Iola-School Board on Monday, Dec. 9. Using the ALICE protocol, the initiative aimed to equip 276 students and 38 staff members with critical skills to respond effectively during emergencies.
The active-shooter preparedness drill, which began at 9:15 a.m., followed the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocol — a comprehensive approach designed to handle high-risk scenarios. Staff prepared for the drill by reviewing the school’s safety plan and briefing students on the procedures. Parents were informed beforehand to ensure transparency and community support.
During the drill, students and staff practiced alert, lockdown, counter, and evacuation techniques under administrative observation. The drill concluded with a staff debrief to evaluate the exercise’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Key highlights from the drill
Student Engagement: Students exhibited focus, listening attentively to instructions and asking thoughtful questions. They demonstrated maturity and calmness, treating the drill with seriousness akin to fire or tornado drills.
Effective Communication: Teachers presented procedures in an age-appropriate way, ensuring students felt reassured. Students expressed appreciation for the inclusion of a comforting activity, such as a book reading, which helped contextualize the training.
Feedback on Execution: Many students likened the exercise to other routine safety drills, reflecting a clear understanding of its purpose.
Challenges and areas for improvement
While the drill was a success, it highlighted opportunities for refinement:
Supporting Students with Sensory Needs: The administration identified a need for accommodations like noise-canceling headphones and designated quiet areas for students with sensory sensitivities.
Refinement of Procedures: Feedback from staff and students will be used to fine-tune future drills for smoother execution.
Next steps for enhanced preparedness
The school administration outlined actionable steps to address challenges and improve safety measures:
Incorporate Sensory Supports: Collaborate with specialists to develop a sensory-friendly safety plan tailored to individual student needs.
Ongoing Communication: Maintain regular dialogue with parents to provide updates on safety protocols and reassure them of the school’s commitment to student well-being.
Procedure Refinement: Analyze feedback from the recent drill to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of future training sessions.
This proactive initiative by Iola-Scandinavia Elementary School underscores its dedication to creating a safe learning environment. By preparing for emergencies with thoughtful planning and robust execution, the school continues to prioritize the safety and security of its students and staff.