Students underwent the new training Oct. 22 for an adapted safety plan for violent critical incidents. North switched to ALICE, a program that takes a more hands-on approach to student and staff safety than in the past. Principal and experienced ALICE trainer Shanna Lewis believes in the benefits of an active system.
ALICE encourages situational awareness and making the best decision possible. This can include evacuation, something not present in the past action plan where students only turned off the lights and hid.
“A lot of times when you have safety plans, it’s like do this, then this, then this, ALICE really teaches you to take awareness of your surroundings,” said Lewis.
Although ALICE is not the only one of its kind, the tools, comprehensive training, materials, support and online videos make it unique. ALICE training thinks out possible situations by having tools like barricading, evacuating and taking an active role against the threat in some cases.
“[The goal is] to get [students and staff] out of their rhythm,” said Lewis. “Instead of that passive sort of lockdown and wait, it’s more of an active participation.”
ALICE is also partnered with the St. Charles Police Department. ALICE and the department work together to keep students safe.
“We’ve partnered with St. Charles Police, and ALICE is endorsed by multiple agencies throughout the country. With ALICE or any response to an active threat, you’re trying to buy yourself time until law enforcement can get there,” said Lewis.
The time bought by ALICE is longer than past systems, allowing more time for law enforcement to arrive and neutralize the threat. ALICE does not stop after the threat is neutralized, as it accounts for reunification plans for after the event takes place.
“I feel like I have more options and I feel safer knowing that I have options to escape or counteract if need be,” said junior Skye Santiago.
Many students like Santiago are ready to embrace the change. ALICE emphasizes individual responsibility for their safety and prepares for the chance that an incident does occur. ALICE training takes a different approach than past systems in order to support student safety.
