Students go with the flow during surprise alarm at River Trail Learning Center
(05/07/201) A fast-acting custodian kept the water from coming in during an unexpected disruption at River Trail Learning Center at L.O. Jacob (RTLC). A sudden depressuring of the fire protection system set off the sound of fire alarms throughout the building. The noise forced students and staff at RTLC outside with little warning.
The ninety minute change in schedule could have been a significant disruption for students who depend on routine and structure in their school day. RTLC students are normally notified in advance for planned changes in routine, such as fire drills, to minimize disruption. During this unexpected event, all students and staff remained outside. Some played a pickup game of softball or kickball while others socialized or enjoyed the playground.
“All students did a fantastic job of being respectful of other students and handled the disruption very appropriately. This unplanned change in our day turned into a wonderful display of student camaraderie,” said Stephanie Diaz-Celon, program supervisor at RTLC. “This event helped our students practice how to be flexible and that unplanned events can have a positive, fun outcome.”
River Trail Learning Center at L.O. Jacob is a full day Special Education Setting Level IV Program for students K-12 from the Anoka-Hennepin School District. The school building is undergoing an $11 million upgrade as part of the 2017 Fit for the Future voter approved referendum.