Alice ISD runs active‑shooter exercise; staff highlight SaferWatch alerts and reunification lessons

Alice ISD held an active‑shooter exercise on a Saturday at Alice High School with district administrators, school staff and local police participating. District leaders described the drill as a learning opportunity to refine reunification procedures and communication protocols.

Administrators reported about 77 participants in the exercise. The scenario began at 9 a.m.; staff said police closed roads and executed the simulated response with campus teams moving students to a designated reunification point (the multiplex). A district debrief identified challenges, including that some students said they might not go to the planned reunification location in a real event; staff said the exercise led to planning adjustments to build student trust in reunification routes.

District staff also emphasized use of the SaferWatch alert system during the exercise. Presenters said SaferWatch, an app used by district phones and desktops, delivered alerts to campus staff and to family members who are registered with the app; staff described the tool as invaluable for notifying personnel during an event and said it was helpful during the Saturday exercise.

District leaders said they will continue to refine reunification and communication processes and plan additional drills to strengthen execution and coordination with city police. The board thanked staff and the city police for cooperating on the drill.