What is ALICE?

What is ALICE?

The safety of our students and staff at New London-Spicer Community Schools is our number one priority. Since 2010 there have been numerous school shootings across our country. Research of these events has assisted in developing a more tactical approach to ensuring our students are safe. This research has led to the development of the ALICE Training Institute, which New London-Spicer has pursued to improve our safety efforts.

The ALICE Training Institute recognized that in 98% of school shootings, there is a single perpetrator. The research also indicated that a one-size-fits-all approach to facing this tragedy of locking down was ineffective. Therefore, the following practices are endorsed through the ALICE Training Institute for maximum safety.

Alert - Get the word out! An armed intruder is in the building as opposed to the use of code words. Use clear, concise language to convey the type and specific location of the event.

Lockdown - Good starting point. We will continue to lock down students in secure areas when appropriate and use an enhanced version of our existing lockdown process, which will call for additional steps to secure and protect.

Inform - Continuation of using clear, concise language to convey the type and specific location of the event. Communication keeps the perpetrator off balance and allows for sound decision-making.

Counter - Apply skills to distract, confuse and gain control. (Only used at the Middle/High School level.)

Evacuate - Leaving the area to reduce the number of potential victims.

The philosophy of ALICE is to use technology and information so that staff and students can make informed decisions in a crisis, remove as many people as possible from the danger zone, and provide realistic training so that those involved have a better chance of survival.

Mr. Juhl, Mrs. Akerson, Mrs. Illies, and Deputy Holmquist, School Resource Officer, have recently been certified as ALICE Trainers. Many of our staff have received initial training on ALICE. Over the next year, our students will receive age-appropriate training to utilize ALICE should a crisis arise here at New London-Spicer. Each year, we work to train our students on responding in case of a fire, severe weather, or emergency situations. ALICE is a way to be better prepared in an active shooter situation. If you have any specific questions regarding ALICE, please contact Deputy Holmquist at 320.354.2252 ext 2613.