Students practice safety drills

BONNERS FERRY — Fire drills are routine occurrences for students from elementary to high school so they know how to immediately respond. Less familiar are lockdown drills and active shooter drills are uncharted territory.

Each school is required to practice two lockdown drills each year. The middle school practiced a lockdown on Nov. 21 and Principal David Miles II said the building was eerily silent within 30 seconds.

Classrooms doors were locked, lights turned off and students out of sight in classrooms.

At a school safety workshop on Dec. 5, Principal Miles II said that the lockdown procedure could be utilized when a gunman is in the community on the run, such as after an armed robbery.

The lockdown drill at the middle school brought forth questions not answered in the school’s safety and security plan. What happens if the lockdown happens during lunch, during gym class or while a student is in the bathroom? Principal Miles II and middle school staff discussed those questions and figured out a plan.

Also being discussed in all schools between administrators and staff is what to do when an active shooter is on the school grounds.

“We have to talk about it as difficult as it is,” said Superintendent Richard Conley. “Discussion increases the level of thought. Teachers will have to use good common sense.”

During a fire everybody evacuates the building at the nearest open exit, but with an active shooter there are more variables. Naples Elementary principal Steven Morton said his staff have had conversations about the different scenarios.

“In chaotic situations, it will come down to the teacher’s judgment,” said Morton.

Principals agreed that staff and students should get out if they are able. A gathering spot was more important for elementary students than high school students because high school students know how to hide and what is safe.

Valley View Elementary Principal Gary Pflueger said he has a building evacuation procedure with a designated location. The older students know the location and could outrun the teachers while the younger students would follow their teacher like ducklings said Pflueger.

One concern was if students and staff were on lockdown for an extended length of time because they couldn’t flee. Both Morton and Mt. Hall Elementary principal Jim Nash suggested having survival kits in every classroom so kids can stay warm, eat, drink and go to the bathroom.

The school safety workshop was a chance for discussion among administrators and for the school board to know what has been communicated within the schools. The Board of Trustees plans on having a public forum regarding school safety in January to gather community input.