RED Lockdown Drill Language

Dear All,
 
As we gear up for the Red Lockdown drill on Friday 9/27 please take some time to discuss this with your class. Below is some language about discussing the drill. Of course, you can use this as a guide rather than as a script.  I would say the big points to convey are....
 
1. We practice this so that we know what to do. This is practice. Remind them that it's always good to have emergency plans in place as they help keep us safe.  
 
2. Go through what will be said, what will be used to keep the door "securely shut," etc., and their roles: listening, following directions, and working well together as a team.
 
3. It's possible that in the older grades, a student may bring up events they have seen in the news. While there may be appropriate times to have these discussions, for the purpose of this drill, I would steer the conversation back to what can be expected of the drill. There are most likely going to be heightened nerves in the room, and discussion of past events will enhance anxiety and make it more difficult for students to hear the messages: "We are safe, this is a drill, practicing helps keep us safe."
 
4. Your calmness will help keep them calm. 
 
Before the drill: 
 
Today (or before the drill) we are going to practice a Lockdown Drill. You are familiar with our Fire Drills, which we practice although there is no fire. These drills are practice so that we know what to do in case an emergency situation arises.

If there were ever an emergency situation at school, "like someone on campus who does not belong here" (other examples: someone who does not belong on our campus,  an angry dog, an intruder, a threat, a bank robber in the neighborhood). This explanation can be more explicit for older children. It is important for you to get very quiet, listen to the adult in charge, follow their directions, and remain calm. Here at school, your teachers and administrators are in charge. I will say this is a "Lockdown Drill" and you will hear the announcement over the speaker “This is a RED Lockdown Drill”.

Let's practice our drill by getting very quiet (all voices off) and moving quickly to the closest room. I will gather you all inside and lock the door and close the window shades. You will be very quiet (just like during a fire drill) and huddle together in this part of the room (identify the safest part of the room away from doors and windows). We will remain very quiet and wait for the all clear signal from Mr. Skeen.

You can also show the items that you will use to help “keep the door securely shut,” (the firehose and door stopper) and explain what they are and how they will be used.
 
"We will be still like rocks together."

Teachers remember that your calmness and competence will relay to the children that you have this under control, and help them feel confident that the school has a plan for their safety. How you say this carries at least as much weight as what you say.
 
 
Helpful Links:

 
After the drill:
 
After the drill, there may be a range of emotions in your classroom. As a class, you can take a few deep mindful breathes. You can tell your class that deep breathing sends a lot of oxygen to our brains and helps remind us we are safe. You can also do a “one or two word check in “ as a group, asking the question of what if felt like to practice that drill.

Students may  end up sharing words like “scared” or “excited” or “nervous.” Remind the class that we practice things like this drill or a fire drill because the more we practice something, the more automatic it becomes. The more automatic it becomes, the safer we are.
 
Please let me or Amy know if you have any questions or if a student is feeling particularly anxious and needs to talk. We're here to help in whatever way we can.
 
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