GREAT FALLS – Great Falls Public Schools will conduct “Armed Intruder Training” on Friday, November 1, 2024.
The training will be delivered at 20 GFPS schools and will involve an estimated 1,250 GFPS staff.
All GFPS schools, campuses, and playgrounds are closed from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; only GFPS personnel and law enforcement officers are allowed on grounds and facilities.
Signs will be posted asking people to keep people off campus areas. Simulated gunshots and noises can be heard throughout the day.
GFPS said in a news release that it is implementing several proactive safety measures designed to protect students, staff and visitors as part of its commitment to ensure healthy, safe and secure schools.
One aspect of the GFPS strategic plan is to provide armed intruder training at every school. To make this training possible, all schools will be closed to students and visitors on Friday.
The agency said: “While we hope to never have to deal with an armed intruder situation, we believe we must be prepared for any emergency. This training is an important part of ensuring that our employees and students know how to respond effectively if such a situation ever arises. The training will focus on empowering our staff with knowledge and strategies for protecting students, and working closely with law enforcement to ensure a coordinated response to ensure a positive and nurturing school climate.”
The training will allow Great Falls Public Schools staff to place themselves in simulated situations involving school safety and active shooter threats.
The aim of the training is to support staff in understanding the importance of school safety and to respond to these simulations within their school.
The campuses are expected to open after 3:30 PM and normal scheduled activities will begin.