Mundelein High School, in conjunction with the Mundelein Police Department, will hold a mock intruder drill on Thursday, Oct. 3 to help students and staff prepare in case of a real situation. The State of Illinois has mandated that no later than 90 days after the first day of each school year, schools must conduct at least one law enforcement drill that addresses an active threat or an active shooter within a school building.

Over the past two years, MHS has become a recognized ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) school with the entire staff having been trained in responses to an active intruder in a school setting. Students have also had exposure to the training which encourages reaction to danger in other ways in addition to lockdowns. Freshman will receive the same basic training on Oct. 1 so that they are familiar with the procedures.

The Oct. 3 drill itself will include an ALERT in the form of an announcement notifying everyone in the building of the danger or intruder. At that point, some areas of the building will practice LOCKDOWN and discuss alternate exits from the classrooms but will not physically exit during the drill. As the drill progresses a core group of instructors will continue to INFORM staff and students in the building of any danger as the threat may be on the move. Staff will discuss the COUNTER portion with students in classrooms. As the announcements continue, students will practice the ALICE option of EVACUATE if hallways and exits in their particular areas are safe.

“Our number one priority at Mundelein High School is the safety of our students and staff,” said Mike Pope, assistant principal for student services. “Due to this priority, we take many preventive steps to keep our building secure. In addition, we also practice our responses should a crisis arise,” he explained. “Parents are encouraged to discuss the drill with their children both before and after the drills. The drills help our students and staff be prepared should a crisis occur, but it may also cause some students to have an emotional reaction,” Pope said. He added that trained social workers on staff will be available to speak directly with any students who may need additional support.