The Changing Times of Education
Safety and Security Added to the 3R’s

Written by Brett Marcotte

The day starts with a quiet prayer, a time of reflection to concentrate on loved ones, the events of the day, and the challenges to be overcome with classmates and school work. Ten years ago, when I started my first year as a teacher, this is how the St. Mary of the Hills School community began each day. The years went by with a great balance of rigorous academics, spiritual awakening, and spontaneous laughter. On a gorgeous September day a few days into a new school year, the tranquility, the peace, and the security of St. Mary of the Hills School would forever be changed.

Educators have been forced to change and prepare for events that up until a few years ago seemed implausible in Milton. Young children are faced with many confusing images and older students are forced to worry about things far beyond the typical adolescent troubles. The Administration of St. Mary of the Hills School has always prided itself on the words the students would use to describe the school—fun, challenging, and safe to name a few.

As a new Principal, one might say the ultimate goal is to have a student population that is academically challenged and socially thriving and meeting all of the age-appropriate stages. Mrs. Vasta, the new Principal for the 2006-2007 school year, faced a challenge herself—the need to develop and implement an Emergency Management Plan. The print and television media has provided a wake-up call shedding light on all of the violence that is present in the world. The trouble zones are no longer far-removed, remote places on a map. As educators, we have reached the conclusion that our small Catholic school is as vulnerable as any other place.

The Emergency Management Team was formed at St. Mary’s in October, 2006. Although plans were always in place to provide for a safe campus, it was evident that, as a community, we needed to be much more prepared. And so we would be! It is amazing what the Team has been able to accomplish in four short months—a comprehensive Crisis Plan, a team of qualified professionals to deal with a myriad of events, a healthy and productive discussion on physical plant changes to maintain a safe haven for our students and faculty. Our Plan, with its procedures and protocols, was scrutinized by the Milton Police and Fire Departments. We were very pleased with the feedback we received from the Milton Police Department.

A major focus of the planning stages was ensuring that the students, at each of the developmental levels, were cared for—our goal was to prepare the students for the need for the drills and ensure that they were not frightened by the new part of the curriculum at St. Mary of the Hills School. As a Team, we shared our thoughts and experiences and formulated a plan for each instance of trouble that we could think of (unfortunately, we did not have to stretch our imaginations to come up with possible scenarios). The Police were contacted and so receptive to assist whenever we came across an issue. It is wonderful to be part of such a great community where everyone is willing to work together for the greater good!

After a few rehearsal drills, Lieutenant West and Officer Poles arrived at St. Mary’s to perform a real “Lockdown Drill.” The drill went off smoothly. As a Crisis Team, we are pleased with our progress. Our Emergency Management Plan is a work in progress. There are more drills and policy changes that need to occur to ensure that we are doing the utmost to secure the precious lives that we have been given the responsibility of protecting.