4/12/2019

 

Dear White Pass Jr. Sr. High School Parent/ Guardian:

            Over the past several years we have seen a dramatic increase in school violence and school shootings. As the experts analyze these horrific events, it is apparent that we need to do more, not only taking steps in an attempt to prevent the event from occurring, but training of students and staff on procedures that we all need to survive an active shooter in our schools.

            The White Pass School District and surrounding districts have adopted a new policy and procedure that we as well as experts across the country believe will increase the chance of survival during an active shooter incident. This new procedure will teach our staff and students the A.L.I.C.E. system. What does mean? Let me explain.

Alert                      Get the word out! Armed Intruder in building instead of Code Red

                                Use clear, concise language to convey the type and location of the

                                Event.

Lockdown              Good starting point. We will continue to lockdown student in

                                 Secure area.

Inform                     Communication Keeps the Shooter off Balance and allows for good 

                                 Decision making.         

Counter                   Apply Skills to Distract, Confuse, and gain Control.

Evacuate                  Reduce the number of Potential Targets for the shooter, and reduce

                                 Chances of victims resulting from friendly fire when help arrives.

            In short, using the above ALICE method we will teach our student and staff in the event an armed intruder/active shooter evades their secure area they;

1. Listen carefully to the location and type of event.

2. Get to and /or remain in a secure area until it is safe to evacuate.

3. Should an armed intruder/active shooter evade their area, apply skills to Distract,       

    Confuse and gain control.

4. As soon as it is safe to do so, Evacuate.

            In closing, in NO WAY are we asking or teaching our students or staff to make any attempt to subdue an armed gunman outside of their secure area. However, we will provide them the knowledge that if faced with a life or death situation, there are methods that can be applied to greatly enhance their chance of survival. The methods that will be taught in the event they are directly confronted by an armed gunman are:

  • Cause distractions to interfere with the ability to shoot accurately.
  • Cause as much chaos in the room as possible to create sensory overload.
  • Do not be a stationary target.
  • How to control the attacker using body weight, not strength.
  • How to interact with responding Law Enforcement.

            Training will emphasize that the best way to survive an active shooter is to escape. When that is not possible, being mentally prepared and having been given the authority and ability to act will save lives.

            We will be conducting a student training on Tuesday, April 16th for our Middle and High School Students. Each Grade Level will practice ALICE protocols during an assigned period. Deputy Justin Kangas for the Lewis County Sherriff’s Office will lead the activity. If you have further questions, please call Principal Chris Schumaker at 360-497-5816.

Sincerely,

Chris Schumaker

Jr. Sr. High School Principal