WEST CHESTER, PA — The West Chester Area School District (WCASD) has been recognized for its continued commitment to safety, earning its third consecutive ALICE Certified Organization designation. The certification, awarded by the ALICE Training Institute, underscores the district’s dedication to equipping staff and students with critical safety skills through the proactive ALICE program—an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate.
The rigorous training process combines online learning modules, hands-on drills, and ongoing strategy reinforcement to ensure all members of the WCASD community are prepared to respond effectively in emergencies. After initial staff training through online modules, the district advanced to in-person scenario drills, followed by student and family engagement. Currently, the district conducts regular refresher sessions to keep staff connected to the program’s core concepts and enforces routine drills to maintain readiness.
Public Safety Manager Rik Thornton emphasized the importance of the district’s collaborative approach to achieving this milestone. “This achievement highlights the strong partnership and shared dedication of our safety team, WCASD staff, families, and students in making safety a top priority. Receiving a third-year ALICE certification reflects our proactive commitment to creating a secure and supportive environment for everyone in our schools,” Thornton stated.
The district has prioritized a culture of safety by continuously refining its protocols and encouraging active participation from all stakeholders. Thornton praised the district’s Safety Department for their role in realizing this accomplishment, adding, “Their dedication, professionalism, and continuous efforts to implement and communicate critical safety procedures have played a key role in achieving our third-year ALICE certification.”
The ALICE Training Institute first recognized WCASD for its efforts in 2021, and the district has since maintained its certification through its unwavering focus on preparedness and resilience. Looking ahead, the district reaffirms its mission to prioritize safety and provide a secure learning environment for its students, staff, and community. This recognition serves as a testament to WCASD’s ongoing commitment to excellence in school safety.
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