WEST CHESTER, PA — The West Chester Area School District (WCASD) has once again been recognized as an ALICE Certified Organization by the ALICE Training Institute, marking the second consecutive year of this prestigious designation. This certification is a testament to WCASD’s unwavering commitment to safety, situational awareness, and survival skills training for its students and staff.
ALICE, short for Alert, Lock-down, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate, is a comprehensive safety program that has garnered endorsements from the U.S. Department of Education, Homeland Security, and other esteemed institutions. Its purpose? To equip schools with the tools and knowledge necessary to respond effectively in crisis situations.
The journey to ALICE certification is rigorous, involving a three-year process that integrates online learning modules on school safety and hands-on scenario drills for both staff and students. Now in its third year, WCASD shows no signs of slowing down in its pursuit of community preparedness and resilience.
The school district first trained its staff in the ALICE program through online modules before progressing to more hands-on training methods. Currently, the district’s safety team is reinforcing these critical strategies with staff members and introducing students and families to the program. The ALICE program lessons are thoughtfully tailored to be age-appropriate and engaging for students across all grade levels.
Before involving students in the program this school year, the district shared informational materials with families and conducted an in-person meeting, empowering families to prepare their children for various scenarios.
Rik Thornton, the Public Safety Manager for WCASD, expressed gratitude to the district’s dedicated team of safety professionals, WCASD staff, families, and students for their collective efforts in achieving the second-year ALICE certification.
“This is a testament to the collaborative spirit and commitment to safety within our school community,” Thornton said. He highlighted that WCASD is one of the first districts in the county to receive the second-year certification, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures when it comes to student and staff safety.
The achievement of a second ALICE certification signals a significant milestone for WCASD. It’s a mark of their continued commitment to enhancing safety protocols and fostering a secure environment for all students, staff, and stakeholders.
Thornton concluded, “I am truly grateful to our Safety Department. Their hard work, professionalism, and dedication to sharing vital safety strategies and procedures with all members of our community is truly reflected in the achievement of our second-year certification.”
In a world where school safety continues to be a top priority, WCASD’s commitment to the ALICE program underscores the district’s commitment to creating and maintaining a safe learning environment for all.
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