[kimmiejs]

I am sure that many of the nurses here have students attending both public and private schools. The safety of our schools should be at the forefront of today's news, not the idiotic behaviors of our elected government officials. Since I am the mother of twins in kindergarten this subject is very important to me. Although this is not a true nursing thread, please oblige me by allowing it to be posted here.

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As a civilized society one of our inherent duties, our obligation is to make all schools a sanctuary for our children. How can we expect our children to receive a proper education if the school environment is not a safe one? Over the past several weeks there have been multiple incidents where our children and educators have fallen victims to gun violence. Many people have called for the placement of guns in schools, but is this a wise plan? Although there have not been any incidents in the USA of a teacher shooting a child in a school here in America should we pursue other alternatives in order to keep our schools safe. Many people believe the key to school safety lies in the physical school building itself. When new schools are being planned one safety measure can be to install some form of locking barrier between classroom and gyms. Many hospitals are using these types of barriers to safely restrict movement from public areas within the hospital and patient care areas. When a new school is under construction instead of building 2 or 3 buildings to house the students, consolidate all services under one roof. In regards to existing schools there are several different changes that can be made now to help ensure student safety. Where ever possible remove student lockers from outside the classroom and place in the classroom. Clear the halls and corridors of obstructions and hidden alcoves. This will help to provide larger wide hallways. Change the bathrooms from stalls to individual private toilets. Limit the number of entrances used in the school, provide a separate entrance for students and staff. In the classroom install locks to the door that only the staff can lock from the inside. Relocate the office to the front of the building so the staff can easily monitor who enters and leaves the building. With all the latest technologies available to us we should incorporate several of these into our schools. Many banks have installed two bulletproof doors in the bank’s vestibule. These doors can be automatically locked with the push of a button trapping the robber inside. The additional use of metal detectors, video surveillance, and alarm systems when used correctly can help save lives in schools. Provide staff members with two way radio systems and cell phones so they may communicate in the event their school is under siege by an intruder. Yes, I realize that these suggestions will cost money however when it comes to the safety our schools this should be a moot point. We have to remember that our children are the key to our future. It is imperative that we provide all children with a safe and secure learning environment for children attending school now and for future generations.

[nursinghumor]

While I agree that it should be a priority, it simply isn't.

Many communities have had weapons issues on school property in the past. The simple answer is widespread installation of metal detectors.

Overwhelmingly, they are dismissed for the damage they'll do to the reputation of the community the school is in.

People are more concerned with their property values, than dealing with issues in front of their noses. Perhaps it will take a lot more "incidents" to get people over the "NIMBY" (not in my backyard) mentality.

You're not talking bout a few extra dollars in the school budget, you're outlining major, costly redesigns. I can tell you they'll die in debate at the school board hearings.

Sad but true.

Sincerely,

Andrew Lopez, RN
Nursefriendly, Inc. A New Jersey Corporation.
38 Tattersall Drive, Mantua New Jersey 08051
http://www.nursefriendly.com info@nursefriendly.com ICQ #6116137, AOL “nursefriendly”
856-415-9617, (fax) 415-9618