The detail regarding CT has changed over time. His mother did not teach there. He was not buzzed in. He shot his way in. My ES has a buzzer system but I don't think it would prevent a determined intruder. Even a metal detector, who would stop the intruder after the system buzzed? We just can't protect against ever unimaginable scenario..

Going back to the original question: I think my child's school does a perfectly adequate job with safety. I've already heard from the administration that they'll be enhancing security over the coming weeks, and I'm just dreading it. If it's more sign-in sheets and ID checks, it's just inconvenience for me and would make ZERO difference in stopping someone intent on violence. The only thing that MIGHT work would be a metal detector--but I actually chose this charter in part because it would allow my child to avoid our metal detecor-equipped DCPS IB jr high.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen a pretty wide range of security at schools depending on their location. What I know is that schools that have high security often block parental involvement. When I had children that went Thomson downtown it was a significant issue. The school in CT had an even stronger system in place and it did not work. There are more important avenues of change that are needed than to make our schools fortresses.

What was the system they had in place?

The school had exterior locks and buzzer entry. He was allowed in because he was known, familiar - a former student and child of a substitute teacher. Interior classroom doors were locked. The PA system was used to alert to the emergency. It was not enough to avert the tragedy.

Don't go thinking this is Sandy Hook ES's fault for not having proper safety precautions in place. It's comforting in a way to think it might be - because then we can all just be smarter and avoid their mistakes. Then it won't happen here or to our children, then we'll be safe.

Not fair or true.

Simply not true. He shot his way in through a window. He was masked, armed, and wearing a bullet proof vest. You think someone just went ahead and buzzed him in? Be real.

That wasn't the claim, Sherlock. It's pretty easy to gain access to a school where everyone recognizes you. That's one of many factors which makes it difficult to defend against.

Thanks for overlooking the point. You're part of the problem. (Just "being real")

Please-- I am pretty sure that the "guard" who was asleep regularly, at the deak, at Peabody is still employed.

System-wide problems. Though I don't think this is solely a DCPS issue. That crazedan was getting in regardless security protocol.

Wait, I thought he was arguing with the Principal?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen a pretty wide range of security at schools depending on their location. What I know is that schools that have high security often block parental involvement. When I had children that went Thomson downtown it was a significant issue. The school in CT had an even stronger system in place and it did not work. There are more important avenues of change that are needed than to make our schools fortresses.

What was the system they had in place?

The school had exterior locks and buzzer entry. He was allowed in because he was known, familiar - a former student and child of a substitute teacher. Interior classroom doors were locked. The PA system was used to alert to the emergency. It was not enough to avert the tragedy.

Don't go thinking this is Sandy Hook ES's fault for not having proper safety precautions in place. It's comforting in a way to think it might be - because then we can all just be smarter and avoid their mistakes. Then it won't happen here or to our children, then we'll be safe.

Not fair or true.

Simply not true. He shot his way in through a window. He was masked, armed, and wearing a bullet proof vest. You think someone just went ahead and buzzed him in? Be real.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have seen a pretty wide range of security at schools depending on their location. What I know is that schools that have high security often block parental involvement. When I had children that went Thomson downtown it was a significant issue. The school in CT had an even stronger system in place and it did not work. There are more important avenues of change that are needed than to make our schools fortresses.

What was the system they had in place?

The school had exterior locks and buzzer entry. He was allowed in because he was known, familiar - a former student and child of a substitute teacher. Interior classroom doors were locked. The PA system was used to alert to the emergency. It was not enough to avert the tragedy.

Don't go thinking this is Sandy Hook ES's fault for not having proper safety precautions in place. It's comforting in a way to think it might be - because then we can all just be smarter and avoid their mistakes. Then it won't happen here or to our children, then we'll be safe.

Not fair or true.

i don't even know how to define or characterize safe. In our elementary DCPS I have seen locked doors propped open to ease reentry access for staff. We have a sign in system but do I think I think the school is secure from a crazed gunman? No way and I don't think any school could possibly be.

Anonymous wrote:That is so NOT true. I don't know what school you are dealing with but if a security detail can block parental school involvement. Then you are perceived as a problem as a whole. Problematic parents are the worst.

I know. So many have gunned down 20 kids at their schools.

That is so NOT true. I don't know what school you are dealing with but if a security detail can block parental school involvement. Then you are perceived as a problem as a whole. Problematic parents are the worst.

Anonymous wrote:I have seen a pretty wide range of security at schools depending on their location. What I know is that schools that have high security often block parental involvement. When I had children that went Thomson downtown it was a significant issue. The school in CT had an even stronger system in place and it did not work. There are more important avenues of change that are needed than to make our schools fortresses.

What was the system they had in place?

+1

I have seen a pretty wide range of security at schools depending on their location. What I know is that schools that have high security often block parental involvement. When I had children that went Thomson downtown it was a significant issue. The school in CT had an even stronger system in place and it did not work. There are more important avenues of change that are needed than to make our schools fortresses.

Proaction or reaction? I honestly believe every school is safe because if not, it wouldn't take this incident for a parent/guardian to inquire with DCPS. This is one test I hope we will never have to experience.

Makes me wonder how DCPS would handle something like this or should they revise their security plans or lack there of based on this. Do you think your child school is safe?