Is the CrisisGo App Truly Effective?

By Po Aye (10)
po.aye@fwcsstudents.org

February 23, 2023

CrisisGo is an app that South Side High School has recently started to use in order to quickly notify teachers and administrators when there is an emergency such as fires, school shootings, and more.

“CrisisGo gave us the capability to send any kind of alert via computer or cellphone. The CrisisGo app is instantaneous,” assistant principal John Minnick said.

Staff members have this app on their phones and computers, and when there is an emergency, Mr. John Minnick sends out a notice informing the staff and students whether they have to evacuate the building or not. 

“I think it’s really effective because it makes sure that we are staying in place until we actually know it’s safe enough to evacuate. We can also get updates even after the drill has been completed,” accounting teacher Allison Gangwer said.   

However, despite seeming effective, students seem to have mixed feelings about the app. Some say the apps can be helpful with evacuating. But others seem to dislike the app, as it can slow down the evacuation process. 

“I agree that the app isn’t helping and is useless because most of the time, when you’re being alerted, there isn’t anything to be alerted about, you’re wasting your time on the app for nothing,” Shaina Be (10) said. 

On the other hand, other students seem to believe that this app is truly helpful. Before South Side High School decided to use this app, the staff and students would immediately rush out of the building when they heard a drill of any sort. However, there may be a flaw to this given the possibility of what if there is a threat outside of school, rather than inside? This is exactly what the app is used for. 

“I love that they are trying to take steps into making students, teachers, and parents feel safe about sending their children to school and going to school themselves,” J’aira Freemon (10) said.

Many people may have different opinions and views on this app, however, the point of the app is not to harm anyone in any way. Whether someone thinks it’s useless or not is up to them, but the true point of the app is to protect South Side High School and anyone that attends this school. 

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