Anonymous wrote:Why don’t cell phones and police radios work inside schools?

The buildings are often made of concrete block and the cell signal cannot penetrate through it. Cell-signal repeaters can be purchased at relatively low cost to allow for service throughout the buildings.

Why just elementary schools, OP? Usually shootings are in high schools or middle schools.

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t cell phones and police radios work inside schools?

There are landlines in the main office media center, nurses office and likely the counseling office. There may also be another phone in the hallway somewhere that student usually get permission to use for call home etc.

Also several staff throughout the building have walkie talkies to radio the office

Cell phonies and outside radios have limited range in the building because of all the concrete/cinderblocks essentially blocking the signal. Unless the building has a cell tower onsite really close by. Joining the MCPS network while in the building can help.

Unfortunately, you are correct. Police radios do not work in most schools (cinder block) nor do cell phones. Most people think that the emergency call feature on iPhones will override any network issues, but that is actually not true in our elementary schools. They are all sitting ducks.

As a parent with children in MCPS, I can attest that all of this is true. It’s a massacre waiting to happen, the Board of Ed knows, principals know, the superintendent knows…and they are doing nothing. And people in the community think that they don’t care until a city like Bethesda or Chevy Chase or Potomac becomes synonymous with schools like you all day, Sandy Hook, and Parkland.

Being able to call 911 is a basic necessity that everyone should be able to do. The fact that elementary schools are unable to do this is negligence at best and a conspiracy at worst.

Why don’t cell phones and police radios work inside schools?

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone not realize that the police radios don’t work in the elementary schools either? So are we saying that ELEMENTARY schools can’t call 911, there are no call buttons of any kind, and now POLICE radios don’t work either???????

All of this is accurate and confirmed by MOCO police. Call and ask them yourselves.

Does anyone not realize that the police radios don’t work in the elementary schools either? So are we saying that ELEMENTARY schools can’t call 911, there are no call buttons of any kind, and now POLICE radios don’t work either???????

YES! So many parents have no idea that teachers can’t call 911. Cell phones don’t work. Some have no landlines. MCPS will never tell parents, either. It’s all a giant cover up to avoid spending money on anything other than DEI.

What scam is this?
OP selling something to schools?

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is already doing a lot of these things.

The issue is that they aren't doing many of these things at elementary schools. Only the middle and high school. Our school does not even have 911 calling capability. If someone has a heart attack, or goes into labor, or any medical emergency, there isn't a land line in the classroom and there isn't any way for them to use a cell phone to call 911 unless they go outside of the building.

MCPS is already doing a lot of these things.

Mcps ruins lives every day. Shootings aren't the biggest concern

Active shooter training? Will we be issued handguns as well? And lockboxes for the gun and bullets?

Great suggestion 🙄

Hi MCPS Parents! Below are the email addresses and an template email for the Board of Education elected officials, as well as Superintendent Taylor regarding an urgent request for funding to enhance MCPS Elementary School Safety. If you are an MCPS taxpayer, parent or student and you care about the safety of our youngest learners, please consider sending along to the people listed below. Thanks!

Subject: Urgent Request for Funding to Enhance MoCo Elementary School Security

Dear Board of Education Members and Superintendent Taylor,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and parent to express my deep concern for the safety and security of our children in Montgomery County elementary schools. In light of the increasing frequency of tragic events in schools across the nation, I urge you to prioritize the allocation of adequate funding for the implementation of comprehensive security measures in all Montgomery County elementary schools before one of our schools becomes the epicenter of the next tragedy.

I believe that the following measures are essential to creating a safer learning environment for our children:

Physical Security Upgrades:
- Enhanced Entryways: Controlled access points, security vestibules, and visitor screening procedures are crucial to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Emergency Communication Systems: Reliable and easily accessible communication systems, including cellular 911 calling capability, land lines, panic buttons, and public address systems, all of which are vital for rapid response in emergency situations and are currently lacking in nearly all of Montgomery County’s 136 elementary schools.
- Surveillance Systems: High-quality surveillance cameras strategically placed throughout the school grounds and interior that are regularly monitored by law enforcement.
- Standardized Infrastructure Assessments: Allowing qualified MCPS emergency and security personnel to equally assess all 136 elementary schools for vulnerabilities and subsequent funding to address security gaps that are identified.

Mental Health Support:
- Increased Counseling Services: Access to mental health professionals, such as school counselors and psychologists, which are essential for early identification and intervention of potential threats.
- Threat Assessment Teams: Multidisciplinary teams comprised of educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement should be utilized to assess and address potential threats effectively.

Staff Training & Parent Involvement:
- Active Shooter Training: Regular standardized training for all staff members on active shooter response protocols, including lockdown procedures, evacuation plans, and first aid/CPR.
- De-escalation Techniques: Training for staff on de-escalation techniques to manage disruptive behavior and prevent situations from escalating into violence.
- MCPS-Wide Safety and Security Meeting: Q&A on of the code of conduct, current elementary school safety measures, and elementary school safety and security gaps that will be addressed (with timelines and deliverables).

I understand that funding for these measures may require careful budget allocation. However, I believe that the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable children are paramount and should be considered the number one priority. I urge you to advocate for the necessary funding and support the implementation of these critical security enhancements in our elementary schools.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter. I look forward to your prompt attention and a positive response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Thomas_W_Taylor@mcpsmd.org
Karla_Silvestre@mcpsmd.org
Rita_M_Montoya@mcpsmd.org
Brenda_Wolff@mcpsmd.org
Graciela_Rivera-oven@mcpsmd.org
Laura_M_Stewart@mcpsmd.org
Julie_Yang@mcpsmd.org
Praneel_S_Suvarna@mcpsmd.org
Natalie_Zimmerman@mcpsmd.org