Great Falls Public Schools, in partnership with the Great Falls Police Department, is conducting armed intruder training on Nov. 1.

All GFPS schools are closed to the public on Friday and students do not have classes.

School playgrounds will also be closed from 8 a.m. to about 3:30 p.m. on Friday.

The district is conducting the training for about 1,250 employees.

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People near the schools may hear gunshots, which are simulations and not live fire, during the training sessions.

The district conducted armed intruder training in the past but hasn’t done so since before COVID, officials said in a recent school board work session.

“The safety of our schools is our top priority. While we hope to never face an armed intruder situation, we believe in being prepared for any emergency. This training is a key part of ensuring that our staff and students know how to respond effectively if such a situation were ever to occur. The training will focus on empowering our staff with knowledge and strategies for protecting students, as well as working closely with law enforcement to ensure a coordinated response. We recognize that security includes not only prevention and preparedness for outside threats, but also fostering a positive and nurturing school climate,” according to GFPS.

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The live training simulation includes various scenarios to help district employees learn and practice their response to an armed intruder emergency under pressure, but in a controlled environment, rather than having to figure it out under actual threat.

“This training will allow our staff to prepare for real life situations if this ever occurs. School safety is our number one priority daily,” Assistant Superintendent Lance Boyd said.

Campuses are expected to reopen after 3:30 p.m. and normal scheduled activities will continue.