Windsor schools practice lockdowns, crisis plans

In just one week, three schools around the country have been the site of violence and terror.

The school shooting in Bailey was the closest in proximity to the Windsor Re-4 School District and the district recognizes the potential for danger.

District superintendent Karen Trusler has already received phone calls from concerned parents and wants to assure everyone that if any type of threat does occur, a safety policy has already been instituted.

"We have a school safety plan in place," said Trusler. "Each school has safety measures, depending on the age of children and the building setup."

Without giving away any specifics about the plan, Trusler said teachers and students in all of the eight schools around the district have been participating in lock-down drills and teachers have read handbooks on what to do and not to do during particular situations.

"We have gone over who has access into each building, which doors are locked and who does what," said Trusler. "If we have to empty a building, each school knows where to go and how the communication works."

Jennie Mizrahi, an art teacher at Windsor High School, said because of the recent school shootings, the faculty and staff at the high school have been refreshed on certain safety precautions and reminded what to do in certain situations.

"We've been going over things and making sure we know what to do and how to lock the doors," said Mizrahi. "They also have been checking for access points."

Mizrahi admits that the recent shootings have made her more aware of her surroundings and also more aware on what happened.

"It has made you think more," she said. "I kept thinking what would motivate me to leave my kids alone in the classroom, probably nothing."

Trusler is confident that the teachers, staff and students of the district will make responsible decisions and will know what to do in any threatening situation.

"Those who practice well, don't need to use it," she said. "We hope to never have to use it."