Launch the media gallery 1 playerSecurity Lockdown/Evacuation DRILL
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Re: Security Lockdown/Evacuation Drill
At La Harpe Schools, we take safeguarding the safety of our students and staff very seriously. It is important that we put procedures in place and plan for those events that are very unlikely to occur. As part of this, we have safety procedures called “Standard Response Protocols” which we need to rehearse/practice with students.
We will be having our annual lockdown/evacuation drill on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at approximately 2:00 pm. Teachers/staff will guide students through the process. Law enforcement will be present for our drill. PreK students will not participate in the drill. They will have their own separate drill/practice. La Harpe schools do not practice any drills with simulated intruders.
A lockdown procedure is a standard health and safety procedure, similar to a fire drill. Our lockdown procedure would be used when there is a threat to the safety of our students, staff and others in the school, and when it’s safer for everyone to remain in classrooms rather than evacuate. The aim is to keep people safe by confining to a secure area.
Situations where our security lockdown procedure may be used include:
- A potentially dangerous person or animal on the school site.
- A disturbance or dangerous situation in the local community that could affect the school.
- A nearby chemical incident or other risk of air pollution.
- An incident related to terrorism.
What is our school security lockdown procedure?
- Staff and students will be notified of a Lockdown by an announcement – which includes this is just a drill.
- Students will be asked to remain in their classroom.
- Staff will ensure that all doors and windows are closed and locked, and all lights are turned off.
- Students will be asked to sit on the floor out of view of the windows – both exterior and interior.
- The staff member will take attendance to ensure all students are accounted for.
Prior to practicing this procedure with students, staff will discuss procedures with students about lockdown procedures and explain why they are important. They will reassure students after the drill that they are safe and will emphasize that practicing procedures like this will make sure that the school remains a safe place to learn.
Again, this is simply a drill, so that in the unlikely event of such a situation in the future, our students and staff are fully prepared and can stay safe. If you would like to opt your child out of the lockdown/evacuation drill, please contact Brittany in the main office.
If you or your child have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact Principal Hopper or me.
Thank you,
Dr. Janet L. Gladu
Superintendent
