Eight in two months. Eight different schools. Eight different scenarios. Millions of people terrified. Since 2018 began, there have been eight school shootings. That averages out to more than one per week.
The most recent shooting in Parkland, Fl. left 17 students and staff victims to gun violence. Teachers, administrators and parents all over the country worry about the safety of their students and ask for a better way to monitor the building.
Principal Dr. Shelly Butler and staff have taken these events seriously, cracking down on campus safety procedures like students wearing IDs and not leaving outside doors propped open.
“Everyone must take their job seriously,” Dr. Butler said. “If everyone is vigilant about safety, then we can maintain a safe school.”
Teachers have been instructed to stand outside their doors in between classes to listen and watch students. Administration continues to secure outside doors, ensuring that only students enter the building. For anyone who visits, they must enter the building through the front entrance. If from there they have a different destination, a visitor badge must be displayed clearly on their shirt.
“Our number one job is to ensure that students are safe so that they can learn at high levels,” Dr. Butler said. “We love our students as if they were our own kids. We will do whatever it takes to make sure that they feel safe and secure. We will continue to enforce rules that keep people out of the building who don’t belong.”
As for the job of students, speak up if something on social media, in class or in the hallways raises alarm. Report any activity that could be potentially unsafe or harmful to students and staff.
Do’s:
- Wear your ID
- Stay in dress code
- Stay in your classrooms as much as possible
- Alert the police if an emergency occurs
- Follow your teacher’s instructions
Don’ts:
- Wear hoodies, hats, beanies, etc. inside the building
- Prop the doors open with rugs, pencils, magnets, etc. to let in outside students
- Open the exterior doors for anyone. Don’t let anyone in the building other than front for cafeteria doors
- Post about emergency situations on social media
- Bring weapons or other banned items to school
