From time to time, we conduct what are called “Lockdown Drills” on the MPA campus, in order to practice responding to various emergency situations related to potential threats of violence.  To date, we have had three such drills so far this school year.  Without going into too much detail, the drill calls for teachers and staff to make sure all students and any visitors on campus are secured as quickly as possible within locked classrooms, offices and other spaces.  In some cases, we invite Maplewood police officers to observe and provide us with guidance. Our existing procedures were created in conjunction with the Maplewood police in accordance with best practices. 

One variation of the drill is called a “Medical Lockdown Drill” and is designed to clear hallways of students and staff in the event that emergency medical personnel need quick and easy access to locations within the building.  This is also important so that children are not unduly upset by seeing someone in any kind of medical distress.

We will be running two more drills between now and the end of the school year, one of which will be a medical lockdown and the other a standard lockdown drill.  Most likely, we will again be involving Maplewood police officers in the standard drill.  Whenever we run drills of this kind, we make sure to talk with students in advance about the coming drill and to make sure everyone in the building is clear on the proper procedures.  Following each drill, we solicit feedback from participants so as to be able to take any necessary corrective measures on subsequent drills.  These remaining two drills will complete the series we have planned for this year.