Mount Vernon City Schools has announced plans to conduct ALICE training drills for students and staff in the coming weeks. The district has used the ALICE system, which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuation, for active intruder preparedness over the past ten years.
According to Superintendent William Seder Jr., "We have been utilizing the ALICE system for active intruder training for the past decade. While we have made tremendous advancements with our training, it is important to continually practice and refine our preparedness procedures."
The upcoming drills will be the first of two scheduled this school year. The specific timing will depend on weather conditions. Principals at each school will send out notifications a day before drills are held at elementary schools. However, middle and high school students will not receive advance notice prior to lockdowns being initiated.
During these exercises, an announcement will precede each drill at elementary buildings. For middle and high schools, once a lockdown scenario begins, students and staff will be informed that it is only a drill. The district clarified that there will be no simulation of gunfire sounds; instead, a staff member will walk through the building to help train those responsible for informing others using surveillance cameras and public address systems.
The drills are designed to cover all five components of ALICE:
- Alert: A siren followed by instructions activates the lockdown.
- Lockdown: Protocols are practiced to create safety barriers between students and potential intruders.
- Inform: Announcements about an intruder’s description and location are made using video surveillance and PA systems.
- Counter: Preparation steps are taken in case countermeasures against an intruder become necessary after lockdown is initiated.
- Evacuation: If appropriate, students may evacuate to rally points near the buildings depending on weather conditions.
A similar training scenario is planned for spring. Additional information about ALICE procedures can be found on the district’s website. The district emphasized that student training will always consider age appropriateness and maturity levels.
Superintendent Seder encouraged parents or guardians with questions to contact the district by phone or email.
"We will conduct a similar training scenario in the spring—additional ALICE information on our website. Student training will always be done with the students’ levels of comprehension and maturity in mind," said Seder.
