Milford Schools To Update Lockdown Protocols At Parents' Meetings

MILFORD, NH — Superintendent Jessica Huizenga and Police Chief Michael Viola will host information sessions on the district's revised approach to student safety drills. The first session for Heron Pond and Jacques Memorial Elementary Schools will be Monday at 6 p.m. at Heron Pond Elementary. The second session for Milford middle and high schools will be Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Milford High.

The district is altering its approach to safety protocols and the way it conducts safety drills at each of its schools. Beginning this year, Milford will employ an approach known as Emergency Lockdown Response in situations that merit a school lockdown.

ELR is an options-driven approach that gives students and staff choices in how they react to an incident, such as an armed intruder, based on their proximity to the danger and the safest options available to them during an active incident.

"The safety of our students will always be our most significant responsibility, and this revised approach is something we're confident is the best step we can take to achieve that goal," Superintendent Huizenga said. "We're committed to working closely with the Milford Police Department to develop drills and put a firm plan into place that our students can understand and act upon, even though we hope they never have to."

Next week's information sessions will serve as an opportunity for parents to learn more about the district's safety initiatives and ask questions. Students will be provided with an update on the new system by School Resource Officer Rich Addonzio prior to taking part in age-appropriate drills.

Enhanced safety protocols were identified as a priority in the district's updated strategic plan, and this work represents a step toward accomplishing that goal.