My husband and I have both been retired for six years from Baltimore County Schools, but even in the last ten years of working the entire school system had instituted security measures. First, school doors were all locked after morning admission and stayed locked until dismissal. There were cameras at the door so the person seeking admission could be clearly seen before being admitted. School employees had swipe cards and one door for access throughout the school day. There was an an armed School Resource Officer who was an on duty policeman. His office was located close to the front door. All classroom doors were metal and had locks. They had a very small glass window so you could see out. We conducted drills regularly, much like fire drills. Upon hearing a code that signaled we had an armed intruder all classroom doors were locked, lights were turned out, a curtain was placed over the window, children and staff were trained to huddle against the wall at a location far away from the window and keep silent.
It is a sad state of affairs that we need such a protocol in this country, and that children should have to be taught that this might be necessary to protect their lives, but I would hope that every school in the country, no matter the size of the community, will take whatever steps necessary to protect their precious charges. There are measures that can and should be taken.
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