Response to dangerous intruder

Marion Community Schools has guidelines and procedures in place regarding dangerous intruder situations.

These reflect current attitudes on how best to address such a situation, and they also align with recommendations from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Education.

This strategy was implemented in 2014. Since then, discussions and trainings with students have been conducted regularly. All discussions and drills use age-appropriate information and language. Discussions and trainings are focused on how students and staff can use different tactics to stay safer in a crisis.

The philosophy behind this strategy is to empower staff and students to make decisions and take action during a crisis.

The main objective: If you can get out safely, then do so. If you can’t, there are steps you can take to stay safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are our schools safe?

Why this strategy?

In the event that there is a dangerous situation inside a school building, those present have three basic options: run, hide, or defend yourself. Under the traditional lockdown strategy, only one of those options was available: hide. This option is not necessarily the safest option in all situations.

We want our staff and students to have the best chance to keep themselves safe. Experts with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as Marion and Grant County law enforcement agencies, believe that this strategy does just that. The U.S. Department of Education has recommended that schools adopt this strategy as well.

What will my student be learning, and when?

There are many solutions and options when faced with a dangerous situation.

Talking about and training for different tactics — using age-appropriate information and language — before a
crisis happens will empower students and teachers to make informed decisions and take action during a crisis.

In times of crisis, it is important to follow a teacher’s directions without hesitation.

It is important to understand safety plans, such as evacuation routes and rally points. Drills help reinforce
that knowledge, so students should take them seriously.

Staff members are trained, and the strategy is reinforced during routine drills at each of our school buildings.

Why should students and staff be making decisions like these? Isn’t that what the police will be there for?

What can I as a parent/guardian do to help my student be prepared to stay safe?

We talk to our kids about things like drugs and alcohol, but personal safety often gets overlooked until there is a crisis. Helping children prepare for a difficult situation can help them be confident and have more self-control. Start the conversation now.

Here are some conversation starters to try:

If there is a dangerous situation at school, what would you do? Do you know how to report something dangerous or suspicious?
What kinds of safety drills do you practice?
Do you know how to get out of your school building in an emergency? What would you do if your usual exit is blocked?