DONAHUE, Iowa-- In Miss Aude's second grade class, today's lesson is on vocabulary. But it's time for the whole school to learn a new lesson in safety.
At John Glenn Elementary in Donahue, Iowa, staff and students participated in a tornado drill - unlike any other they've ever done before - Tuesday, March 29, 2016.
Through federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, the school was able to build a two-classroom addition that doubles as a tornado-safe wing.
"We've had some tornadoes pass just to the West of Donahue and because of that, that puts us in an area the federal government looks at and says there's a need," says John Glenn Principal Kelly Rohlf.
With walls 12 inches thick, the building can withstand 250 mph winds. That's the same as an EF-4 tornado.
"I worry all the time how are we going to make sure our kids are safe, and there's no guarantee one hundred percent, but having a facility like this makes it a lot less stressful," says Rohlf.
There's room for all 255 students and then some, opening up the possibility of inviting community members to use it, too, if severe weather hits.
"Our job as teachers is to keep our kids safe in all areas of our day, and with the FEMA room, we're going to be allowed to do that," says second grade teacher Jenna Aude.
It's an adjustment to a century-old drill that has everyone on board.