Today, Allendale CCSD 17 held its annual Law Enforcement Drill at the school. State Police Sgt. Mark Zimmerman, State Police Officer Ashley Reeder, and Wabash County Sheriff Derek Morgan all met with Superintendent Bob Bowser to discuss plans for how students, faculty, and staff should react in situations of a soft lockdown, as well as a hard lockdown.
The group also took a tour of the building to determine what can be done to make it safe for all within the building during a school day.
Then at 10:03 am, a soft lockdown drill took place involving all students, faculty, and staff, with the officers walking around to observe how everyone was reacting and handling the situation. Following the drill, an assembly for all students in Kindergarten through 8th grade convened in the gymnasium in order to hear from Officer Zimmerman and Sheriff Morgan on topics related to the drill, as well as bullying.
Students, faculty, and staff did a fantastic job in the drill and are very appreciative of local Law Enforcement coming to our school to provide their expertise as to how to stay safe in an instance where a soft lockdown or hard lockdown are needed. Students were also reminded that the Sheriff's Department will be in the building on a daily basis and ready to listen to students if they have information to share to keep the school community safe.
Mr. Bowser also reminded students of the Text-A-Tip line and will be distributing cards with the phone number to all junior high students and faculty/staff members thanks to SRO Erin Peach.
State Police Officer Mark Zimmerman and Sheriff Derek Morgan observing a passing period at Allendale School.
State Police Officer Mark Zimmerman speaking with students, faculty, and staff following the soft lockdown drill.
State Police Officer Ashley Reeder, Sheriff Derek Morgan, Superintendent Bob Bowser, and State Police Officer Mark Zimmerman in the assembly with students, faculty, and staff.