Acts of violence over the past few years have encouraged schools to enforce stricter security policies. At Schreiber, some of these changes include allowing entry to the school exclusively through the front door and enforcing ID checks for visitors.
The Emergency Preparedness Committee of the Board of Education, made up of community members, has championed these measures.
“Events like Sandy Hook have made everybody around the country take a second look at their school’s security procedures,” said Principal Mr. Ira Pernick.
By locking all the doors and thoroughly checking IDs, the administration believes that it can reduce the risk of potential threats.
“I think over time, there are a lot of things that you can always do to improve student safety in school, and we have plans to try to enhance those things as time and finances allow,” said Assistant Principal Mr. David Miller.
While some students feel better protected because of these new enforcements, others find it inconvenient and a hassle to walk all the way to the front door, especially those had walked to school in the past and need easy access to enter the building.
“I don’t think they should be that strict, but I think there should be a precaution.” said junior Rachel Ellerson. “I feel like locking the side doors accomplishes nothing. The school shooting makes me a little scared but it makes me feel more secure with the security guards and the ID picture process.”
The changes in security policy have made other students feel more secure.
“They are beneficial for everyone, from students to staff to faculty members,” said junior Ian Chu.
Some students defend the decision to lock the alternative entrance to the building. “If the back door is that easily accessible for students, is it not just as well open to the perpetrator?” said junior Sam Kang.
The new policies are only the beginning of the other security changes that are starting to be established in Schreiber. Mr. Pernick wants to ensure not only the students but also the parents that the building is safe.
“How well can I look at you and look at your parents and say your children are safe here and what can we do to improve that?” said Mr. Pernick.
In one of the changes, the administration has made doors more secure than they have been in previous years. Each door has been magnetized so that, when ajar, an alarm will sound to indicate that it is open.
The administration also hopes to enhance camera coverage at doors and create requirements for all staff members to scan in with their school-issued IDs before entering the building.
“These will allow us to have a better sense of what’s happening. We are in a constant state of moving forward when it comes to safety procedures,” said Mr. Pernick.