WHS Develops Lockdown Procedures

WAITSBURG – Waitsburg High School principal Stephanie Wooderchak said during last week’s school board meeting that the WHS staff has recently developed procedures for both soft and hard lockdowns and has begun practicing those procedures with students.

In a soft lockdown, Wooderchak said that all but the front door is locked, with an administrator or police officer monitoring the front door to identify anyone entering the building to make sure they aren’t a threat. The students are contained but may move freely within the building.

She explained that a soft lockdown might take place if there was police activity in the neighborhood or an accident on the Highway.

A hard lockdown is an actual lockdown of all the doors. Classrooms are locked and students are directed to a safe place. It would be used in the event that an intruder attempts to enter the building.

“It’s been very interesting,” Wooderchak said. “I feel good about educating ourselves and the kids. They say practicing these procedures helps with survival rates and we want to take advantage of any research that we can.”