On Jan. 19th, Ada Public School teachers participated in an ALICE training program to help insure the safety of the student body. ALICE, standing for Alert Lockdown Inform Counter and Evacuate, is a program which partners with the local police to help with survival against violence.

The Columbine incident has taught that if the students have a chance to escape, they should, instead of just hiding. Administration has learned from the ALICE program that instead of hiding from an intruder, like the old policy states, they should retaliate against the intruder, and if possible, leave the scene. However, if the intruder was at the door, they would want to shut it, barricade themselves in the room, and find another exit. Ada City Schools have been working for a long time to ensure the safety of the students with cameras, progressively moving towards putting in security doors, and locking down some of the entrances to the school. Ada High is trying to ensure the safety of its students.

Student and faculty response to the new policy has been positive. Student, Karen Heizer, remarked, “I think that the new policy will be safer.”

Teacher, Ruby Bray, voiced her support for an increased sense of school responsibility. “It’s the school’s responsibility to make sure our students are safe. I think we need to use research and professionals, like the law enforcement agencies, to give us ideas on how to do that the best way.”

Ada High School is no stranger to intruder violence, having faced tragedy on school grounds. Caitlin Wooten, an Ada High student, was abducted in 2005, from the Ada High parking lot. The next day she was found dead along with her kidnapper, the result of a tragic murder-suicide.

While Ada Schools have faced tragedy before, they will still persevere for their students safety. It may be tough , but the safety of the students is priority.

For More on The ALICE Program Visit: http://www.alicetraining.com/