Experienced first hand how our school handles emergencies

[always quiet]

Last night, at the middle school's Back to School night, a "code blue" was unexpectedly announced. The halls were cleared, classrooms doors shut and locked, exterior doors locked with staff at their posts. Initially, all the parents thought it was just a demonstration on how 'ready' the school is. Then the asst. principal came on the PA, advising us that there was a shooting at the local hospital, which is VERY close to the school and the gunman hadn't yet been caught! This news made it to local tv channels, as almost immediately, cell phones started to ring with concerned children on the phones (my youngest called me and was whispering in the phone "Mommy, are you ok?" ) Here's a link to the story:

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=local&id=3490446

While it's horrible to see what happened, it's reassuring to know that the district wasted no time in assuring that everyone was safe and we, as parents, saw that everyone knew exactly what to do.

 

[CinderellaIam]

WOW. What a hair raising experience. But, as you said it's reassuring that the school has things under control.

 

[Mickey's sunshine]

I bet that was kind of freaky. Weird how things were reveresed....kids calling the parents. Seems like they have a good plan.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

DD's school has a lock-down drill I believe once every qtr. Well last year I was working in the classroom and all of a sudden this Lock-down happened. IT WAS NOT A DRILL. There was a guy running from the police and he appeared to have a gun. Man oh man talk about hair-raising. But when it was all said and done I felt very good about how the children are taken care of and how it worked out in the end. The school than sent a note room explaining the situation to the parents. No teacher is allowed to unlock the door from the inside. Only the Principal is allowed to take the classroom out of lockdown. She comes by and opens every classroom when it is all clear.

 

[LoveWDW]

Oh my! Very scary! I am glad to hear that there is a plan and that people know what to do.

 

[dvcfamily41801]

OMG, I can't even begin to tell you how much of a panic attack over this. Matt and I were home and could hear the sirens for a good 1/2 hour. Then we went out around 7 to ride bikes and the police cars that were going by FLYING by, I have never in my life saw such speed, just really upset me. We rode around our development for a little while and saw the helicopers hovering over so I figured an accident. We went to Target around 7:30 and my friend called to find out where we were and said I might want to stay for a little bit and what happened. Thankfully while we were on the phone they caught him, but still.

I am so glad that you were okay at the school. Remember when we talked on the phone a couple of weeks ago and I saw the "Code Blue Hallway and Code Blue Window" signs....guess it is a harsh reality.