Letter from the staff: craig's school emergency procedures keep students, staff safe
by logan mullan and jeff perri
Last month was a month of tragedy, a month that was marred by the gloom and despair of young children losing their lives.
It happened in a small town half the size of Janesville, a place where people thought ‘it could never happen here’. Those kids in Florida suffered an unbearable tragedy, and all we can do is keep ourselves safe in the unfortunate event that such a thing happens here. We hope it never does, but Craig assistant principal Mr. Kane wants students and staff to ask themselves, “Am I prepared?” School officials and the Janesville Police Department recommend three actions in an emergency situation: run, hide, or fight. In the unfortunate event of a shooter in the school, the teacher is in charge of the class. If teachers think their class can get out of the school safely and if the shooter is on the other side of the building, they are advised to leave the building, the “run” option. However, if determine that the threat is anywhere close, they are to stay in their classrooms. Above all, students must follow the leadership of their teachers. “Work with you teacher and be cooperative,” said Mr. Kane. Craig’s resource offer Brian Foster agrees. “Listen to your teacher, he or she is the boss” he said. Once students are outside the school, the police or teacher will direct the class where to go. Mr. Kane said, “Classroom teachers have specific exits and reunification places.” If a class decides to stay inside, students should get to the corner of the room and out of view of the glass window on and/or by the side of the door. Work with your teacher and be cooperative.-Mr. Shawn Kane, Craig Assistant Principal, on what students need to do in an emergency If possible, it is recommended that desks, cabinets, or any heavy objects in the classroom barricade the door. This is the “hide” option. The final option is “fight.” If it seems that the threat may attempt to get into a classroom, the recommended action is to grab a chair, a desk, or even a pen or pencil to fight off the threat. |
“Work as a team to distract and take them down,” said Mr. Kane.
In the event of a confrontation, the police department recommends fighting off the threat as a team with the items picked up and to make as much noise as possible. The noise will alert responding officers to the location so they can appropriately apprehend the shooter and defuse the situation. Officer Foster stressed that students don’t need to be afraid or paranoid when coming to schools, but he said, “We need to believe that it could happen here.” Mr. Kane agreed. “It’s better to over-respond than to under-respond,” he said. This tragedy highlighted the nation's need for safety precautions in schools around the country, and in the process, igniting the gun debate once again only a day after the tragedy. Let's not forget, both sides want to solve the problems that cause these heinous acts and to protect the children that they send to school every day. However, the way in which they want to accomplish it is where they separate. Many on the left want increased mental health services so that students can get help and more training so that teachers are equipped to know the warning signs of a troubled student. They also want stricter gun controls, but pro-gun advocates believe that this threatens the Second Amendment. Many on the right have advocated arming and training teachers, but opponents believe that this will make our schools more unsafe and seem like battlegrounds waiting to happen. One side believes that more health services and gun controls will decrease gun violence. The other side believes we should defend our kids like we do with our banks and jewelers. Whatever side you take, or no side at all, is up to you. Just remember, be safe and prepared. And know that your school is a safe place with firm procedures in place. |