Are schools prepared for an active shooter?
(Editor’s Note: In light of the mass shooting that took place on February 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla, where 17 people were gunned down, the Messenger questioned Tri-City United Superintendent Teri Preisler and Holy Redeemer Principal George Vondracek about how their schools prevent the worst-case scenario from happening, and if it happened, how our kids would stay safe.)
On February 16, Preisler sent an email to parents through the district’s JMC message center. In it, she said she recently attended a regional crisis training course, and even though it was not directly the same as this situation, there were commonalities. Preisler said trainers shared how everyone is an investigator, meaning to be aware. Another key point is, "See Something Say Something".
She also stated the TCU district reviews and practices their safety protocols and will continue to update the plans to meet the most recent recommendations for school safety.
She added that if your child is concerned about the Florida tragedy or any situation to reach out to school personnel, social workers and counselors. She also provided links to information and talking points, when discussing violence, from the National Association of School Psychologists.
Tri-City United Schools
1. How do TCU schools prepare for an active shooter scenario?
Tri-City United created an emergency action plan in partnership with local emergency responders, county officials, city officials, and law enforcement at the start of TCU. This emergency action plan is reviewed annually with staff along with drills conducted throughout the school year inclusive of staff and students.
2. How often is this training held?
The drills are conducted a minimum of 5 times per year, as per state statute. The emergency action plan is analyzed each year and then reviewed with all staff. The district-wide crisis teams review the contents and provide support at each site in the event of other types of emergencies, none of which have been at a level of the recent tragedy in Florida.
See more in the print edition.
