The Standard Response Protocol and the use of plain language is important when it comes to intruder and other school safety drills. It can still be done with age-appropriate education.

When I was hired to develop the SSO and school safety program at St. Jude, one thing that was extremely important to me was to use plain language when conducting intruder drills, to include the use of the word, “lockdown.” At the same time, making students, especially young students, comfortable and unafraid is equally important. When our elementary level students hear the word “lockdown,” that means it’s time for them to play a game of Quite as a Mouse!