School lockdown drill worries parent

A Charlottetown parent is lobbying the Eastern School District to reconsider having lockdown exercises in elementary schools.

'I really don't believe the kids are going to be thinking that this is Santa Claus coming.' Sheldon Opps

All Island schools are expected to hold these exercises to teach children what to do if there's a dangerous intruder in their school. Sheldon Opps said he doesn't know much about what the school plans to tell his child when it's time to do lockdown exercises, and he's worried the explanation about why they're practising will scare some students.

"Children are a lot brighter than we give them credit for, and they're going to ask questions," said Opps.

"At the end are we prepared to answer those questions, are we prepared deal with the after-effects? I really don't believe the kids are going to be thinking that this is Santa Claus coming. I don't believe that."

Opps thinks other preventative measures, such as locking doors and surveillance cameras, would be more appropriate. He'd also like the school boards to give parents more information about the exercises and exactly what the children will be told.

Adrian Smith, director of student services with the Eastern School District, said he's meeting with senior staff Friday to talk about those things.

"A number of schools have asked what are, maybe, some best practices," said Smith.

"How do we deliver this message to students that's the least intrusive."

Smith said the school board wants parents to be informed and involved in the process. How to do that will also be discussed on Friday.