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Dear Parents and Guardians,
Every school facility in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has in place crisis management and emergency preparedness plans, designed with the help of the school system’s security planning staff, local law enforcement, and emergency management officials. Plans are regularly reviewed and updated. The plans include procedures to respond to critical incidents, like fire and tornadoes, and we practice these drills regularly. Now, we, along with other Fairfax County schools, have formally added an additional drill, called a lockdown drill.
A lockdown is a well-established procedure designed to protect students and staff members in a case in which there might be threats of violence within a school. During a lockdown, students remain in their classrooms or are escorted to classrooms if they are in the halls, and all interior and exterior doors are closed and locked. Once the facility is rendered safe and students are accounted for, the school is returned to normal operation.
While we have no reason to believe that any threat of violence will arise, it is always best to be prepared. It is important to train students and staff members so that we can effectively implement a lockdown in the event one becomes necessary. Training helps ensure a calmer, more effective lockdown.
To implement this training, our school conducted its 3rd lockdown drill today Friday January 17th, 2020. This drill is generally short, typically lasting no longer than a fire drill. It was conducted in collaboration with the FCPS Office of Safety and Security.
I will continue to keep you informed of safety and security measures in place at Dogwood Elementary School. If you have questions, please contact me at 703-262-3100. I appreciate your continued support in these matters.
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