HUTCHINSON — USD 308 officials have announced that Hutchinson Middle School 8 will be closed to the public this week as law enforcement and emergency personnel conduct an active shooter training exercise.
According to a notice released by the school, HMS8 will be closed June 8 through June 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day while the training takes place.
Residents and motorists in the area can expect to see a large presence of police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and other first responders during the exercise. School officials emphasized that the activity is a planned training event and does not involve an actual emergency.
The training is designed to provide first responders with realistic scenarios to enhance preparedness and coordination in the event of a critical incident at a school or other public facility.
Officials are asking community members not to be alarmed by the increased emergency vehicle activity around the school during the four-day exercise.
School administrators thanked the public for its understanding and cooperation as agencies conduct the training. There is no threat to students, staff or the public related to the exercise.