PRACTICING EMERGENCY DRILLS

As part of the school district's security measures around emergencies, we are scheduled for an upcoming lockdown drill in the coming weeks. Last Wednesday (1/23) we had a malfunctioning fire alarm which sent many of our students and staff out in the very cold temperatures. Brookline Fire Department officials quickly assessed that the problem was with the one fire alarm, and we were back in the building within 15 minutes. Some staff made the decision to seek shelter in the Town Hall building or the town library until we were given the okay to return to Pierce's main building. This unusual circumstance provided a learning experience for all involved and presented Pierce's Crisis Management Team with additional issues to consider during our monthly meetings.

Our scheduled drills have been very successful in the past, and we expect that this success will continue. We work closely with Brookline's emergency personnel and plan the lockdown and evacuation drills with Brookline Police representative, Peter Muise, to ensure a smooth experience for all.

The overall goal is to practice the lockdown drill procedures first, then sometime later in the spring practice the evacuation drill. Our evacuation site, should we need shelter, is the Brookline Main Library on Washington Street. Teachers will be reviewing the procedures for lockdown and evacuation drills so our students are also prepared. Please look for a letter which outlines the age-appropriate language that teachers use when discussing these emergency drills. I share this information to help students and families understand the basics of our practice drills. Please ask your child about the drill once it has been completed. I will also notify all families through email once we have completed the drill. If you feel it appropriate, please discuss the details with your child. Thank you for your continued collaboration and support.

Each year, the American Library Association nominates and awards the prestigious Caldecott medal to the best picture book of the year. As part of our library program, Pierce students in grades K-3 will be learning about the evaluation process and reviewing and analyzing the top contenders. Students, teachers, and families are encouraged to read as many of our "Caldecott Contenders" as possible before the event. See the list here:

On Caldecott Night, students and families in grades K-3 are invited to take one last look at the "Caldecott Contenders" and place their vote. Students unable to attend may vote at school the following day. We look forward to seeing you at our Pierce Caldecott Night! Happy Reading!!! Visit http://www.pierceschoolbrookline.org/library.html, then click on monthly announcements.