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Nantucket Intermediate School
Processing Friday's Lockout/Lockdown
Following up
Throughout the weekend I was in communication with our district and school leaders, as well as staff and parents who reached out to learn about what we did really well as a school and where our next improvements need to be made. I am grateful for the insights shared as they will assist us in proactively making those improvements. All in all, our NIS staff and students were safe within the building throughout the lockout/lockdown procedures, though no doubt shaken by this unexpected event.
This morning I met with NIS staff before the start of the school day to debrief with them about Friday and the varied student responses to the lockout/lockdown procedures. Counselors and I worked to create and share talking points to answer students' questions in a consistent and appropriate way. We talked about how to ensure that students who needed more time to process could meet individually with their teacher and/or a counselor.
One of the things I want to be sure you know is the difference between a lockout and a lockdown. A "lockout" means no one may enter or leave the school building, but it can be business as usual within the school. This is typically a proactive measure taken when there is a possible threat anywhere on our NPS campus or in our general geographical area (at the ice rink for example). A "lockdown" occurs when the perceived threat is at or on the NIS campus. In this instance, sheltering in place and locking all interior doors is expected. All students and staff are out of view within the building. Our training asks that the adults use all their senses and information given to determine the next best course of action. Sometimes that means the best decision to keep everyone safe is to evacuate the building.
Part of our debriefing will require us to determine how we will communicate within the building to give as much information as possible to assist staff in making professional judgement about best next steps during a "lockdown". This event has prompted several other next steps we will take to refine our protocols and processes. Feedback from the staff, students, and parents has greatly assisted us in determining areas for refinement. Please be sure that our number one priority is the safety of our students and staff.
Here is an article shared by our counselors that you may find helpful: Talking with your children after experiencing or hearing about a traumatic event
Thank you for your partnership. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Kind regards,
Evemarie McNeil
Principal, NIS