September 21, 2011
Dear ARHS Parents and Guardians,

I want to recap for the school community how events unfolded yesterday (September 20) at the high school.

Shortly after noon, at the direction of the superintendent, the high school, along with all district schools, went into lock down. This was in response to what we believed at the time was an armed bank robbery.

Lock down has several dimensions. The first is that all exterior doors are locked. All students and staff are then directed to secure themselves in an office or classroom that can also be locked. Lastly, teachers continue with instruction and their normal classroom routine for the duration of the lock down.

This response is standard practice. When there is a determination that a credible threat could visit itself upon any of the schools, lock down is the first order of response. Yesterday’s circumstances -- the possibility of an armed person at large in the community -- fit this criteria well.

Lock down is something we practice every year with the faculty and staff to sharpen our ability to respond effectively should circumstances warrant.

I want to assure the high school community that the faculty and staff, once the lock down order was given, responded extremely well. As did the students. In a matter of minutes, the entire school was secured. After the lock down was over, I told the entire school that their response had been exemplary.

Importantly, during the lock down, we emailed the entire school a brief description of the events that precipitated the situation. Over the intercom, I asked all faculty and staff to read the email to their students. Our intent here was to settle everyone, but especially students, by helping them understand what was unfolding around them and, as well, assure them that the building was secure. Faculty indicated that students found this information helpful.

This morning, I have asked faculty and staff to monitor their classes for students who may still be unsettled about yesterday. Teachers will relay their concerns to the guidance counselors.

Lastly, like all the schools, we will debrief the experience with an eye to improving our ability to respond effectively to such circumstances.

If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or email me.

Thank you.

Mark Jackson
Principal