If Arlington residents happen to see or hear first-responder vehicles — squad cars, fire engines and the like — around Stratton Elementary School today, tomorrow and early next month, there is no need to worry or panic, officials say.
It’s an extended training exercise having to do with school safety, according to Elizabeth Homan, superintendent of Arlington Public Schools.
Students are not involved in any way.
“The Arlington Police Department, in collaboration with the FBI, has organized a series of drills designed to enhance the preparedness of first responders,” she wrote in a message posted in the category of “Superintendent’s Updates to Families” on the APS website.
It can be read in its entirety here>>
“The training sessions are scheduled to occur next week and later in the summer on July 12th-13th and August 1st-3rd.,” she wrote. “During these days, you may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles in the vicinity of the school. It is important to emphasize that these activities are part of a planned training exercise and not a real emergency. The purpose of these drills is to simulate various emergency scenarios, allowing first responders to practice their response protocols and coordination.”
The message continues, “We would like to clarify that these drills are focused solely on the training of first responders and are not conducted with students. Please be assured that the safety and security of the students, staff and the community are of utmost importance to us, and necessary precautions will be taken to ensure a safe and controlled environment during the training sessions.
“This collaboration is an invaluable opportunity for our local first responders to enhance their skills and knowledge, which ultimately contributes to the safety and well-being of our community. We will communicate school-specific safety procedures and protocols closer to the start of the school year.”
YourArlington has asked for more details.
Nov. 19, 2022: Homan rated proficient; assistant super leaving; new position in works
This article was published July 12, 2023, based on an online letter to the public from Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Homan posted July 10, 2023, in the “Superintendents’ Updates to Families” section of the Arlington Public Schools website.
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