ALICE Training
The safety and security of our students and workforce remains the top priority of the Saucon Valley School District. To ensure our classrooms are prepared for critical situations, the district utilizes the ALICE protocol—a nationally recognized, options-based emergency response model. Below, families can explore frequently asked questions regarding the curriculum, implementation strategies and at-home communication guidelines.
What is ALICE and ALICE training?
The goal of ALICE training is to teach students and teachers proactive strategies that increase survival rates in the highly unlikely event of an armed intruder. Rather than relying on a singular response, this program empowers staff and students to evaluate their unique surroundings and make situational, active choices to protect themselves.
What does ALICE stand for? What does each word really mean?
ALICE is a situational acronym that outlines five choices. It is not designed to be practiced as a sequential checklist:
Are teachers and staff expected to follow ALICE in order? Are you supposed to Alert, then Lockdown, then Inform?
No. ALICE is an options-based protocol, not a sequential checklist. Depending on where an incident occurs, a teacher may immediately choose to evacuate the building, while a classroom across the hall might decide to lock down and barricade the door. Emergency training provides individuals with the critical options needed to make the safest decision for their exact circumstances.
What does it mean to "counter"?
The absolute focus of countering is to create a dynamic distraction to ruin an intruder's accuracy—not to engage in physical combat. Countering can be as simple as throwing classroom objects or creating loud chaos to generate an opening to run away. Historical data shows that remaining entirely passive or static significantly decreases safety options during active crisis events.
Why is ALICE training being implemented?
Just as we practice routine, monthly fire drills, we have a clear responsibility to ensure our staff and students are mentally prepared for safe evacuation and protective strategies. While our campuses feature extensive visible and invisible safety parameters, the proactive strategies gained via ALICE are transferable skills that students can utilize in any modern public venue should a crisis arise..
This options-based curriculum reflects the modern standard of safety support endorsed by federal oversight committees, educational structures, and major law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Have school police, administrators, teachers, and school staff practiced scenarios and possibilities for an active shooter situation?
Yes. All Saucon Valley School District personnel undergo comprehensive scenario drills and receive emergency training under the explicit guidance of safety professionals. Staff members safely adapt these strategies for our student groups throughout the school year.
How will parents be notified if their child's school is experiencing a real emergency?
Emergency notifications are broadcast immediately across all district networks. This includes automated phone systems, website alerts, local media advisories and via ParentSquare. We strongly urge parents to keep their current contact profiles updated with their respective school buildings.
How will we know my child will be safe after the emergency?
In the event of a full building evacuation, children will be systematically transported to secure, designated off-site reunification areas. Emergency management teams will notify families immediately with instructions regarding standard verification and release procedures.
Students' readiness for this information varies based on age. How will this be communicated to students in age-appropriate ways?
Our educators teach tactical safety choices in an empowering, non-fearful environment tailored to developmental levels. For students in grades PreK–5, instructors use specialized, non-frightening narrative resources, including the authorized children's book "I'm Not Scared... I'm Prepared" along with targeted classroom workbooks to foster resilience without introducing unnecessary anxiety.
Since parents do not participate in safety drills, they often find themselves curious about drill procedures. How do you recommend parents learn about how drills are conducted?
We highly encourage parents to engage in supportive, relaxed conversations with their children after scheduled campus drills. For specific operational questions, you are welcome to reach out directly to your building principal or Safety Coordinator Robert Frey at Robert.Frey@svpanthers.org
Should I talk with my child about the ALICE training in advance?
Discussing the drill structure ahead of time is generally recommended to emphasize the core value of listening closely to instructions. Because you know your child's unique emotional sensibilities best, keep conversations simple, direct, reassuring and calm.
Should I talk with my child at home after the training?
Follow your child's natural curiosity. Some students naturally process safety instruction by sharing their experiences or asking follow-up questions, while others may not feel the need to look back on it. Provide a safe, calm space for them to open up -- if they choose to do so.
What if my child asks a question about this procedure and I don't know how to answer it?
It is perfectly fine to tell your child that you aren't sure but will help them find the answer. Our certified school counselors and classroom teachers are always here to support your family. You can also encourage older students to ask their teachers directly, as their classmates may share the exact same questions.
Where can I go for more information about ALICE?
The specialized curriculum parameters are built in partnership with the ALICE Training Institute. Families can review detailed educational and organizational resource summaries online at the ALICE Training K-12 Resource Portal.