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North Royalton schools to take more security measures, offer safety training for students, faculty

Superintendent Gregory Gurka announced the changes in a letter to parents.
Credit: Thinkstock

Following the deadly shooting a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, last month and a renewed interest in school safety, North Royalton City Schools has announced additional measured designed to protect students.

Starting Monday, Mar. 26, students at the high school, middle school, and all elementary schools will not be allowed in the buildings until 6:45, 7:30, and 8:45 a.m., respectively. Once the children enter, all doors entering the schools will be locked.

In addition, officials will provide students and staff with Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate (ALICE) training on Mar. 23. ALICE, which has gained notoriety in recent years, emphasized recognition and communication during active threats, as well as possible counter-action through distractive techniques as a last resort. The main goal is to limit casualties.

Superintendent Gregory Gurka announced the changes in a letter to parents, saying "we take the safety of our students and staff seriously." North Royalton already conducts a minimum of one lockdown drill each year, as mandated by law.

Gurka also emphasized the district's commitment to creating a "welcoming" environment against bullying, and referred members of the community to the Safer Schools Ohio helpline at (844) 723-3764. He also wrote "parents have a vital tole in supporting out ability to manage the situation effectively":

Parents will be notified by a school administrator through our automated calling system of the location and procedures for a safe and orderly pick up. Under these circumstances, it is critical that parents do not attempt to pick up their child at the school building, as it will be completely blocked off by safety forces. Remain at home and wait for te automated call providing directions to a safe and secure location for reunification.

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