Our school was built a long time ago and doesn't have a lot of the safety features as schools that are built today. It's located in a busy area and can easily be accessed by anyone walking by. We have gates that we lock at night but we're told we can't lock these in the daytime because of fire safety issues. Our school is based around a courtyard and all of the classroom doors open to the outside. I have two issues here: 1. how are other schools handling this in a way that makes the school safe but also allows access in case of a fire? 2. The principal and school district seem to think the PTO should pay for additional safety measures while I think this is a district responsibility. Thoughts? Thanks!
As far back as middle school (several years ago) we had bomb threats (always pranks). There was always a plan of action. Starting in 6th grade we averaged about 1 per year. Until a girl got caught when I was in high school and they were talking federal prosecution.
I come from a very rural area too. Everybody knows everybody blah, blah. I also work in the school system. Things have changed. Children have a much harder time handling their emotions. Hopefully your district has workshops available for teachers are taught what "warning signs" to look for, we never know. Did Columbine expect that in a million years? NO. Did anyone expect building to get flown into? NO (well, not regular citizens). I am sure all of your board members had grandmothers or someone that told them "It's better to be safe than sorry." Don't back up, if you feel that you are babbling, babble away. It is for the safety of your kids and your community.
I suggest you start by talking to the school principals as a concerned parent which is your right. You should also bring it up at your regular PTO meeting because I'm sure other parents are thinking about it as well.
I am an ex-New Yorker that worked across the street from Ground Zero at one time. I never thought what happened could happen and I am still in shock.
I live in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, so on the day of 9/11 my thoughts were all over the place; my husband in one place (near the Pentagon), my children in another town (how would we get to them), my family and friends back in NY (who works in the WTC, how are they going to get to home to each other). No one was prepared for what happened.
Next, we had the DC Sniper and the middle school when the child was shot is up the road from me.
We as parents in the area have learned, our children will be locked down in the schools and we won't be allowed near the school. The schools have water and other supplies. As a parent, I thought about what is best for my kids if something happens and school is a good place for them to be. The children have each other and caring trained adults.
You are not an idiot. Just start the conversations and keep at it until you are comfortable.
Since our school is only about 15 miles from Ground Zero in New York City, you can bet we take this very seriously here. The school board established an emergency system that will go into place should anything happen. All parents we notified of what exactly will happen in the event of another attack.
Most schools will institute a lock down and you will not be able to get anywhere near your child until law enforcement feels it is safe. Especially in the event of a biochemical attack or anything airborne, they are not letting those kids outside. Our school has enough supplies to keep our students locked in the school for 48 hours. We also have an escape plan if the school needs to be evacuated.
You have every right to be concerned and especially so since no one seems to have a plan.
Try speaking to the principal and the Superintendent. You can also attend a board of ed meeting. This is a crazy world we live in now and everyone should be prepared, especially when it comes to our children.
Since Columbine, our school (we are 30 miles from that school) has implemted secruity and a "plan of action" that is taken very seriously.
I know you are scared and concerned about the safety of your children but this is the one time when we as parents need to trust our schools. I learned this the hard way in May when the school was asked by the local police to "lock-down" due to the threat of a gun man in "the area". I KNOW! JUST what you want to hear and can see 20 parents waiting outside for our morning kindergarters! Needless to say, everything worked out (the bad guy was shot down) and they were 2 miles away.
I have also learned that our school has an officer assigned to us to help with disapline issues and teach the DARE classes. He was the one that talked tome later and was stern at first until he realized I was more scared than anything else. Not sure if that is at your school or if he/she can answer your question.
Please don't lose faith. I honestly do not know what I would say if a member asked me tonight about security issues at our school besides the obvious. I would highly suggest e-mailing your school admin. This way you can edit and say what you want without the fear of sounding..crazy . Also, you know exactly what you said because you printed out the message before you sent it.
I know I live in a small rural area and everybody thinks "it can't happen to us", well, I try to be positive but with the world like it is and also the terrorist threats, It scares me that my kids are in 3 different schools (high, middle and elementary) should a threat be found. I am asking for advice or experience as I want to approach the board on this topic. I know what I want to say, but don't want to come out all "blubbering". There was a bomb threat at the high school last yr (prank) but it was responded to as the real thing and that was good, but the kids were on the PARKING LOTS! not far from the school where flying debris could hit them if it were real. I called a board member and was told it will be discussed, never heard a word again. I was told the schools would be given a safe route to go in a emergency. Just need advice so I don't look like an idiot! thanks so much!!
. Also, you know exactly what you said because you printed out the message before you sent it.
