Students huddle in the corner of a windowless corridor during a tornado drill in February. Eastside Elementary held a tornado drill Thursday afternoon. According to Principal Emily Baker, on April 27th, 2011, the students had to stay crouched in the halls for more than half an hour during that day’s severe weather. Baker said that the school conducts a tornado drill in the spring and fall, as well as an intruder drill and the mandatory monthly fire drills.When threatening weather became imminent March 2, children in many Hamilton and Bradley county schools filed into interior hallways and knelt with heads low and hands over the backs of their necks, just as they learned in drills.
When the National Weather Service switched from “tornado watch” to “tornado warning,” Cleveland and Bradley County schools went into lockdown and children were not allowed to leave.
Parents coming to Cleveland and Bradley County schools during the tornado warning period were invited inside for shelter, but were told their children could not be released until the warning was lifted.
That rule prompted some parents to call and complain to school board members, but board members said they support the decision.
On Monday, parents will receive a letter from Martin Ringstaff, director of city schools, explaining the school system’s action.