Gorham School District (GSD) will implement a change to the lockdown protocols beginning this fall. Tragically, this is a time in our country when everyone needs to be better prepared to respond to an active shooter no matter where they are.
While the GSD feels Gorham schools are very safe, we also feel it is our duty to stay abreast of best practices in these areas and to reach out to collaborate with the Gorham Police Department (GPD) in examining their approach to lockdown situations.
For years, Gorham staff and students have been trained in standard “lockdown” procedures, which required all adults and children to stay put in a locked classroom and huddle away from doors and windows. Sadly, nationwide research has shown that this passive huddling and waiting lockdown practice has often proven ineffective at saving lives.
Knowing this, in conjunction with the Gorham Police, the GSD selected the ALICE model because it is a research-based, proactive, options-based, empowering program for responding to a violent incident. It stands for the following and does not follow in a predetermined order.
Alert is your first notification of danger. It is recognizing the signs of danger and receiving information about the danger from others.
Lockdown occurs if evacuation is not a safe option. Any doorway is locked and barricaded.
Inform is communicating information in real time regarding the shooter’s location.
Counter is a last resort by creating noise, movement, distance, and distraction to reduce the shooter’s ability to shoot accurately.
Evacuate when safe to do so by running from danger to predetermined rally points.
During the summer of 2018, multiple Gorham school administrators and GPD officers attended a two-day intensive ALICE workshop to become certified ALICE instructors. Throughout the 18-19 school year, all GSD staff members were trained by certified instructors in the ALICE model. This training included “live” simulations during which staff members had to utilize their training to respond in real-time using the ALICE components.
Starting this September, the district will begin training students in the ALICE model with a three-step process that is age appropriate and places the most emphasis on following the adult’s direction in the moment.
Anyone who has questions and/or just wants to learn more about the implementation of ALICE, is invited to attend an information session at Gorham Middle School on August 27 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium. If unable to make this event, please reach out to school principals with any questions.