4 public schools to conduct active shooter lockdown drill on Sept. 3

The CNMI Public School System is advising the general public that four schools will conduct active shooter lockdown drill on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 9:30am.

The active shooting lockdown exercise will take place at the following schools:

Kagman High School

Chacha Oceanview Middle School

Kagman Elementary School

Kagman Head Start/Early Head Start Center

This drill is part of the 2024 “KONFITMA” Exercise and is being conducted in collaboration with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and other partner agencies. In coordination with the 94th Guam National Guard Civil Support Team, the purpose of this exercise is to validate the response capabilities of the CNMI emergency response agencies.

PSS objectives of the drill

The primary goals of this exercise are to:

Evaluate preparedness: Assess the readiness of school staff and students in the event of an active shooter scenario.

Test emergency operations plans: Focus on the effectiveness of lockdown procedures and crisis communication strategies.

Assess coordination and communication: Evaluate the interaction between partner agencies within a Unified Command Structure.

Evaluate new systems: Test the activation and efficiency of the recently installed fire alarm and intercom systems at the participating schools.

Important information for parents and the community

Do not panic: This is a planned exercise; there is no actual threat to the schools and HS/EHS centers.

Please do not call or visit the schools: To ensure the drill proceeds smoothly, we ask that parents and community members refrain from calling and visiting the schools during the exercise.

Avoid the area: We recommend avoiding the vicinity of the participating schools during the drill to minimize traffic and distractions.

Support your child: Be attentive to your child’s emotional needs leading up to the drill and after the drill. Provide additional support if necessary. We understand that participation in this drill may be challenging for some students. If your child has a history of trauma, anxiety, or a disability that may make participation distressing, please communicate with your child’s teacher or counselor beforehand. The PSS school counselors and Mental Health team are ready to provide support to our students.

The CNMI PSS, along with all participating agencies, are committed to conducting this drill with the utmost sensitivity and respect for our community. All necessary measures will be in place to ensure safety and minimize disruptions. Thank you for your support and cooperation as we continue to conduct emergency drills to strengthen our emergency preparedness. (PR)

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