ALICE Training Information

Treynor Community Schools has adopted a new strategy for lockdown procedures known as the A.L.I.C.E. plan. A.L.I.C.E. is an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate.  Prior to the A.L.I.C.E. plan, lockdown procedures involved the staff locking their doors, moving the students to a part of the room where they could not be seen, and quietly remaining there until an "all clear" announcement was given.  The A.L.I.C.E plan offers a different philosophy in light of case studies completed by law enforcement around school violence. The philosophy of A.L.I.C.E. is to use technology and information in a way so that staff and students can make informed decisions in a crisis, remove as many people as possible from the danger zone, and provide realistic training so that those involved in a crisis have a better chance of surviving.

The A.L.I.C.E. plan will be implemented at all buildings; however, the middle school and high school will drill in phases, with the first drill being executed by the end of October. Teachers will provide direction to the students on what action needs to be taken, so it is very important that students listen and follow the directions given, as this drill is not predictable like a fire drill or tornado drill. Before the first drill is performed,the individual classroom teachers will use a common set of guidelines to address this topic and teach their class the A.L.I.C.E. plan.

The first drill performed by the end of October will include an ALERT in the form of an announcement from the principal notifying everyone in the building of the location of the "danger zone." Those areas of the building within the "danger zone" will practice LOCKDOWN and discuss alternate exits from the classroom, such as a window, but will not physically exit their classroom during the first drill. The principal will continue to INFORM the building of any changes in the "danger zone." Those classrooms not in the "danger zone" will practice the EVACUATE portion of the plan if hallways and exits are safe. The COUNTER portion of the plan will be taught simultaneously, but will not be practiced.  Teachers will not know the location of the “danger zone” prior to the drill so that they can practice developing a strategy that provides the safest outcome for their students.  Therefore, it is very important for the students to listen to the directions given by their teacher as the course of action during these drills will not always be the same.

Elementary students will not be participating in the A.L.I.C.E. drills and will be relying on their trained classroom teacher’s instructions should such a crisis occur.  Younger students will benefit from constant reminders of safe practices in order for them to make good decisions related to their personal safety. Parents can prepare their child(ren) for the A.L.I.C.E. plan by helping them at home to understand the following objectives:

• Self-confidence comes from trying things that are hard and getting better each time.
• There are many solutions and options when faced with a problem.
• Your child is smart and capable if he/she has the knowledge.
• Discuss the importance of following the teacher's directions without hesitation.