2018-03-02-BRIDGE-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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building critical details they need to determine a course of action—from evacuating to barricading themselves in a room. Ms. Colella says she is confident in her staff to make the right decisions in an emergency, and added the simulation exercises have been very helpful. Bridge staff have prepared for a number of scenarios, and it is important, Ms. Colella said,to know that there is no one right choice in an emergency. Staff will use their best judgment to keep themselves and our students safe. Parents raised concerns about the perimeter of school. How easy it is to get into Bridge— through the windows or glass doors? Ms. Colella agreed that the building's infrastructure is something to consider,but it is out of her hands. Reinforcing the building is a district or state question. Ms. Colella explained that a meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 5 to discuss the March 14 walkout, a protest against gun violence. District staff,the police,town leadership, and union representatives will consider the implications for the walkout for staff and students, safety during the walkout, etc. The expectation is the Lexington High School will see the biggest impact of the walkout,with less activity and the elementary and middle schools, though parents are welcome to sign out their children for the walkout should they wish to participate. ALICE has not yet been rolled out to students,though earlier this year, Kristen Gray attended an ALICE drill in Wilmington at a K-2 elementary school to understand how it works with the youngest of students. Lexington Public Schools (LPS) is still deciding about rolling it out here. Ms. Colella noted a rollout of ALICE at LPS would include parent meetings and would likely start at Lexington High School (LHS) first. Currently, fire drills are the only emergency situation training held for students at Bridge. These drills have been used to familiarize students with what to do and where to go if they are in their classroom, at lunch, at a special, in morning meeting, in the bathroom, etc. Students are reminded to be quiet and listen during a drill. Ms. Colella explained that if Bridge needed to be evacuated, students would be sent to Lincoln Field or LHS (as was the case a few years ago when we had to leave the building because a gas smell was detected). Staff developed a video of the walk from Bridge to LHS for the students, and Ms. Colella said they would show it again to students at an upcoming school-wide meeting. Parents asked Ms. Colella what their messages to their children should be about a potential emergency at the school. She recommended that parents emphasize listening to staff/teachers.Additionally, if the child is old enough,they should be told, if no adult is around (for example,they are in the bathroom when an emergency arises),they should make a decision for themselves (i.e., run, shelter in place, etc.). 2