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Date: 2/6/2019
AGAWAM – On Feb. 6, Agawam Public Schools will host an ALICE Active Shooter Training session for parents and guardians with students in the school system. The session will also include a brief discussion on the increasing dangers of vaping for students.
The ALICE Active Shooter Training is a nationally recognized program that teaches participants strategies to increase their chances of survival in the event of an active shooter on the premises. ALICE is an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate. The program does not promote fighting an active shooter, but teaches safer strategies.
In 2018, the Agawam School Department collaborated with the Agawam Police and Fire Departments to provide ALICE training to all students and staff. Over 4,000 students and 847 staff members were trained in the program. All personnel including cafeteria and custodial staff members were trained. The training included a lecture as well as hands-on instruction.
Superintendent of Schools Steven Lemanski explained what parents can expect to see at the presentation. “Parents will be provided with information on how our staff and students have been trained in ALICE Active Shooter Training. The presentation will share how drills are run and precautions taken when alerted.” Lemanski said.
Lemanski described the methods students were previously taught to safely handle an active shooter situation. “Students learned how to barricade doors and become an active participant in keeping themselves and others safe. They also learned, when appropriate, they should evacuate when they can in an active shooter situation.” Lemanski said.
At the parents and guardian presentation, adults will experience the lecture portion of the training. There will also be a question and answer session following the presentation. Lemanski, the Agawam Police Department, School Security Director John Nettis, ALICE trained staff member and Agawam High School English teacher Sable Johnson and Agawam Junior High School Health teacher Nikki Desautels will be at the event to answer questions.
There will also be a discussion on the dangers of vaping for students. Desautels and Nettis will provide information about vaping and juuling. Vaping and juuling devices will also be on display.
Lemanski said he believes it is important that the Agawam School Department host this presentation for parents and guardians. “Increasing communication with parents and the community on what the Agawam Public Schools are doing to keep students and staff safe, as well as providing information on poor decisions students are making that is affecting their health is important. The combined efforts of parents, the community and the Agawam Public Schools staff are necessary to make sure the children of Agawam are safe.” Lemanski said.
Lemanski shared that he is optimistic about hosting parent presentations. “This will be the first parent night we are holding. We have three other evenings planned before the end of the school year. I am hoping by involving the school community including staff, students, parents and Agawam residents, everyone will be better informed of what is necessary to educate and keep students safe.” Lemanski said.
The presentation is appropriate for parents and guardians with students in all grades in the Agawam Public School system. The presentation will be hosted in the Agawam Junior High School auditorium Feb. 6 at 6 p.m.