At Jackson Academy, the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is at the heart of everything we do. Creating a secure learning environment requires both planning and practice, and our school takes this responsibility seriously. Through a comprehensive approach that blends nationally recognized best practices with the care of our dedicated team, JA ensures that safety is not left to chance.
JA follows nationally recognized safety protocols, which use clear, simple steps that are easy for students and staff to remember. The protocols are practiced with regular drills. In addition to the drills, JA also uses a crisis management communication tool to ensure that information can be shared quickly and accurately. Use of this communication tool is also practiced during drills.
Preschool Teacher Mimi Heard shared, “If you ask your child why we have rules at JA, they’ll most likely answer with ‘to keep us safe.’ JA is so fortunate to have such a knowledgeable team that trains us so well.” Heard shared tips she uses as a teacher to guide young students during drills.
Prioritize
Prioritize My Own Calm – If I stay steady, my students will, too. As teachers of young children, our first responsibility is to keep our students safe. Faculty are trained to know each drill thoroughly so we can respond quickly and calmly. Children mirror our reactions, and by remaining composed, we help them feel safe, cared for, and loved.
Procedure
Procedure Knowledge – I familiarize myself with each type of drill so that I’m ready to react at any given moment. Having that prior knowledge and training gives me confidence that I will not second-guess myself in any situation.
Plan
Plan for Preschool Student Needs – Drills can be confusing and scary for little ones, so keeping them informed (age-appropriately, of course) and engaged (again – age appropriately) is beneficial for all. As a Preschool teacher, we may modify the name of specific drills so that our students are not fearful or teary. Nearby, I have essentials that comfort and redirect young students: small books, liquid motion bubblers, sticker books, and more.
Practice
Practice Transitions – I use familiar phrases (e.g., line up song, are you criss cross song) and praise cooperation during all drills. Preschool students thrive on routine, and these classroom routines begin on the very first day of school. It’s impressive how cooperative three and four-year-olds can be when you implement familiar phrases, songs, hand motions, etc. I like to keep them engaged with their five senses.
“Years ago, I’ll never forget transitioning into a tornado drill due to dangerous weather surrounding the Jackson area,” Heard recalled. “Preschool teachers immediately accounted for all students and had them sit accordingly in the hallway. The lights were off, and all of a sudden, I heard precious voices echoing down the hallway singing, ‘He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.’ I was so moved when our K3 and K4 students simultaneously sang the verse, ‘He’s got Jackson Academy in His hands.’ Their faith in God and trust in our teachers at such a young age are so incredibly special.”
