Kapptie's Korner

School security is a concern for everyone, no matter the size of the school or its location, whether in a bustling city or a small town. One of the most common reasons parents cite is wanting their students to have cell phones during the school day "just in case."

Let's explore what a catastrophic day might look like. An event happens, perhaps an attack or natural disaster. Parents immediately want to know if THEIR child is okay. We want to know their location and, most importantly as parents, how we can help! This is an instinctive reaction.

The school will be in chaos. Emergency teams and school officials will be responding and working to ensure all students are safe while enacting the emergency plan. Suddenly, the school grounds will be filled with panicked parents arriving in vehicles, desperate to know what's happening and where their children are. School officials and emergency crews will be working to keep everyone calm while also focusing on resolving the emergency situation. Where should the focus be? Where do we want all efforts directed?

What does our school's process look like? Contacting 911, alerting families, removing students swiftly to designated safe locations, accounting for every student, and then contacting parents with specific instructions on where to pick up their children are the priorities.

Our number one concern is ensuring the safety of our students and allowing emergency personnel to do their jobs without distractions. They need clear communication via radios and cell towers to guarantee the safety of our students and staff.

Stay tuned! Next week, we'll conclude our discussion on cell phones and schools.