MEDIA ADVISORY WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: Washington Local Holds A.L.I.C.E. Training for All Staff Friday, February 14, 2014 (throughout the day) Media invited to Afternoon Scenario Enactments 12:30-2 p.m. / 2:30-3:15 p.m. Whitmer High School Auditorium / Building 5601 Clegg. Dr. (off Alexis, near Douglas) Details: The Washington Local Schools are teaming up with the police departments from Toledo, Oregon City, Sylvania City, and Sylvania Township, and the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office to present A.L.I.C.E. training to ALL Washington Local staff during the district’s Professional Development Day on February 14. The A.L.I.C.E. Program is a national active shooter response program which has been endorsed by Homeland Security, law enforcement agencies, and school safety experts. A.L.I.C.E. teaches school personnel tactical advantages and provides strategies to survive a life-threatening event. The A.L.I.C.E. Program offers five tactical options to provide the best chance of survival when faced with an active shooter situation -- Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. The five steps are NOT sequential; they are options that may be utilized. In the unlikely event of a violent intruder, school personnel will assess the circumstances and decide which options will work best to protect lives. The A.L.I.C.E. training will include a 2-hour presentation in the morning for ALL Washington Local staff. Throughout the rest of the day, groups of WLS staff will be scheduled for participation in scenario enactments, debriefings, and questions. (Media are invited to attend the afternoon scenario enactment sessions, which run from 12:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-3:15 p.m.) Cherie Mourlam, Washington Local’s Assistant Superintendent, has made the arrangements for the district’s safety training initiative with local police departments. The training is for ALL Washington Local staff – cafeteria, transportation, and maintenance employees as well as school personnel. “As a parent of two elementary-age children, the thought of children being in a life-threatening situation is unsettling,” Mrs. Mourlam said. “As a school system, the safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority. We have set aside a full day for staff training, because this is such an important district initiative. We believe this program will prepare our employees to respond quickly and appropriately in the event of an emergency.” Washington Local has implemented several initiatives to protect students and staff. Security cameras and buzzer entry systems at district schools assist in keeping WLS students safe. A new Director of District Police, Security, and Safety was hired in August; Chief Randy Sehl is coordinating school safety efforts with school resource officers, local police departments, and other public and private security personnel. Implementation of district-wide staff training in A.L.I.C.E. is an additional layer in Washington Local’s multi-faceted security plans. #