NEW PROCEDURES IMPROVE MVC SCHOOL SAFETY
In early August, Monte Vista Christian School implemented new safety procedures throughout the campus. The new procedures include the pick-up and drop-off procedures, identification cards, and what happens during Lockdown. These new procedures are designed to benefit and protect the student body from external dangers.
MVCS made multiple critical changes toward the safety of the student body and the campus itself. The reason for these changes is partially in response to an actual lockdown that took place during spring of last year, and partially to follow in the footsteps of almost every schools around the country, employing new safety procedures in response to the increased number of school shooting.
At the beginning of the year, many people have been complaining about the changes, but the question is why have all of these changes benefited the school and how? The first and foremost change that has taken place in safety is the pickup and drop off out in the senior parking lot. According to administration, this new system helps to track the number of cars and people that are entering the campus. Another example of controlling the flow of vehicles and pedestrians is the new pick-up and drop-off situation in the senior parking lot. This new system helps to keep people from getting on and off campus without staff and faculty knowing. Also, According to Susan Swing, the high school Principal, the campus if need be can be locked from a central location which means that if there is a shooter in the vicinity of the school campus, then the campus can tighten security.
However, safety is continuously improving even though it may not seem like it. According to Ms. Swing, there were many complaints relating to the pick-up and drop-off situation at the start of the school year and most of those complaints came from seniors because they were not let in on the loop. Therefore, (according to Ms. Swing) the school asked and is asking the question how can we better put not just the seniors but everyone in the loop about what is going on with the school.
When a lockdown takes place, the faculty are the one’s giving the instructions to the students rather than the administration. Students trust the faculty to keep them safe and comfortable during a lockdown. Students will most likely trust someone that they know rather than a complete stranger to the students. At the end of the day, ”The faculty are the people who are prepared because of the protocol meetings and know what to do in the event of a Lock down” says Mrs. Gunn. As the threat to our school and schools around the country grows, it is crucial to beg the question, what is the best option for keeping students safe even though it might not be convenient.
