Next week on September 29th we will start our School Safety Drills using concepts from the ALICE training.  The first two trainings this year will help students learn to think about what worked and didn't work when we had "lock down" drills the past few years.  These early drills will lay the groundwork for helping students to learn that they should quickly assess a situation and do what is best based on what is happening.  The teachers will be leading age appropriate discussions using prompts such as the following:

• If we needed to get out of the building as quickly and safely as possible, what could we do?
• Let's talk about how we did "lock down drills" the last couple of years.  What did they look like? 
• What are some of the problems that this presents?

This initial "drill" will take 10 minutes and will be just the very beginning of training everyone to think differently about safety drills.

The second drill will take place on October 29th for 10 - 15 minutes and will build on the notes that were taken in each classroom during the initial drill.  The notes will be reviewed in each classroom and then the teachers will lead discussions using prompts such as the following:

• Review notes from last Drill #1
• If the door was broken and we couldn't get out, what could we do to stay in safe in our room?
• How could we solve some of the problems that we talked about last month?
• Teachers may choose to practice spreading out and hiding within the room if time permits.

The 3rd drill for the year will be designed based on the feedback from the teachers about the readiness of the students after the initial drills.  I will update you again at that time.  

Our first round of student-led conferences will begin this evening.  As a staff, we are excited to continue with our development of teaching students to set appropriate learning and behavior goals, to learn to collect data and measure growth, and to be accountable for sharing their work with parents and teachers.  Increased motivation, confidence, and self advocacy are evident in students as they continue to grow in their understanding of the goal setting process.  Please keep in mind that both parents and teachers are encouraged to initiate communication any time during the year if there is a student concern.  We believe that it is better to address a student concern or clarify a situation in a timely manner.  

Please note that next week our regular Thursday school Mass will be moved to participate in the Pink Mass on Wednesday, October 1st .  We will be joining in prayer with all schools in the diocese for all cancer victims, survivors, and caregivers.  Students are invited to wear pink accents with their uniforms.  Please join us if your schedule allows. 

Blessings,