District administrator's corner

by Loren Glasbrenner,  River Valley School District Administrator  “Once each month, without previous warning, the person having direct charge of any public or private school shall drill all pupils in the proper method of departure from the building in case of a fire, except when the person having direct charge deems that the health of the pupils may be endangered by inclement weather conditions. “At least twice annually, without previous warning, the person having direct charge of any public or private school shall drill all pupils in the proper method of evacuation to a safe location in case of a tornado or other hazard.  “At least twice annually, without previous warning, the person having direct charge of any public or private school shall drill all pupils in the proper method of evacuation or other appropriate action in case of a school safety incident.” - Chapter 118 - General School Operations (https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/118/07) This legislative language spells out some of the necessary but concerning parts of running a school.  Yet, we need to prepare kids for the unexpected, but possible, events of being at school during a crisis.  Having emergency plans in place is an essential part of managing a public facility.  And, teaching kids about the process and reasons behind these plans is very important. The methods and explanations of a routine fire drill look very different in a kindergarten class at the Early Learning Center than they do in a math course at River Valley High School.  Yet, each is equally important.  The process of practicing how to handle an emergency can save lives, prevent injury, and minimize harm in the moments of a crisis.  This past week, each of our schools practiced an emergency response drill, and throughout the year we continue to practice drills for events such as fire or tornado.  For our youngest learners, we use the language of “being a helper” during a crisis by listening carefully and following directions.  Within the higher grades, we discuss personal responsibility and care. It takes continual vigilance to make sure we are doing what is needed, but also what is developmentally right for our students.  River Valley School District Policy #722 articulates that we recognize our “responsibility to provide facilities, equipment and training necessary to minimize the effects of disasters and/or emergency situations and ... provide as much protection as possible for children while at school and on their way to and from school, and should provide adequate instruction so that the plan may be carried out with the greatest possible speed and safety.” Practicing the process of taking shelter from a storm in a restroom might make a kid giggle, heading outside in cold weather to practice a fire drill might be inconvenient, and practicing how to lock classroom doors and hide from danger may be concerning, but it is all intentional in order to keep all of us safe.  We care deeply about the safety of our students and we are ready to answer any questions if you have any.  We are always here to help.