Safety at Mills Elementary

Keeping all our Mountain Lions safe while they are at Mills is our biggest priority each day. In addition to following all TEA and AISD protocols, our school's enhanced security processes aim to proactively prevent emergencies and safety breaches. These processes include monthly Staff Safety Committee meetings, weekly door checks, daily campus sweeps, continuous monitoring of interior and exterior cameras, and keeping interior and exterior doors closed and locked. 

Why do we complete drills?

The more we drill and practice how to respond to an event, the better prepared we will be in an actual emergency. Drills create muscle memory, which can be life saving in a crisis situation by allowing people to react quickly and rely on their training, and not have to think about what to do. Drilling also allows us to see what works well and how to make plans even more effective. During drills, students and staff will always be told that it is only a practice drill, and that there is not an actual emergency on campus. 

There are five drill events to ensure the safety of all students and staff in an emergency:

Lockdown

A lockdown drill trains staff and students to stay behind a locked door, shut the lights off, remain seated, remain quiet, and out of sight in case of a threat is inside the school. We perform this announced drill once per semester. 

Shelter

Shelter drills are used for emergencies such as a hazmat incident or bad weather (such as a tornado) and trains staff and students to seek shelter in a particular area of the building which is deemed safe. In a tornado this would be a portion of the building which is on the lowest floor, away from windows and doors. We perform this announced drill once a year for tornados and once a year for a hazmat incident.

Lockout

A secure lockout drill is used when there is a threat on the outside of the building. It teaches all staff and students to get inside, lock outside doors and conduct business as usual. We perform this drill once per semester. 

Evacuate

An evacuation drill teaches staff and students to exit the building quickly, safely, and efficiently. In a fire drill, students and staff are directed to go to rally points which are pre-determined and are a safe distance away from the building. We perform this unannounced drill each month, August through May. 

Hold

A hold drill teaches staff and students to remain where they are and continue business as usual. A ‘Hold’ would usually be called to clear the hallways for a medical emergency, physical altercation etc.  We perform this drill once per semester. 

Standard Response Protocol

What is the Standard Response Protocol?

“A uniform, planned, and practiced response to any incident is the foundation of a safe school. The SRP is action-based, flexible, and easy to learn. It rationally organizes tactics for response to weather events, fires, accidents, intruders and other threats to student safety.”

—i love u guys Foundation

What is Student Reunification?

“Circumstances may occur at the school that require parents to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release. This process is called a Reunification and may be necessary due to weather, a power outage, hazmat or if a crisis occurs at the school. The Standard Reunification Method is a protocol that makes this process more predictable and less chaotic for all involved. Because a reunification is not a typical end of school day event, a reunification may occur at a different location than the school a student attends.”

—i love u guys Foundation

Why is having a plan important?

A uniformed, organized, action plan will help keep your child safe during emergencies which may occur while on AISD property. By conducting drills and having emergency operations plans on every campus, it is the goal of the District to be prepared for any incident which may occur. Emergency Management is passionate about educating students, staff, and parents to promote a culture of preparedness which will lessen the impact when disaster strikes.