Embedded Files
Josie Buckley & Lilly Rayl 2/8/23
As sad as the topic is, an intruder break-in is something that is happening in the US and something that could happen to schools around us. It is important to understand all types of ALICE Training and know that we have amazing counselors you can speak to if you ever feel uncomfortable, threatened, or sad.
This year, students have been taught what ALICE training is, and how it is different from the responses we were trained to do in the past. ALICE is an acronym that stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. We have learned these steps and will be learning more details about the ALICE training in the future.
Recently, the schools of Perry Middle School and High School had a tragedy. A shooter from the high school entered the middle school cafeteria and fired throughout the cafe. His name was Dylan Butler and he was only 17 years old. Dylan Butler was said to have been bullied and he turned the gun on himself after firing. No motive has been found, and he seems to have acted alone. One 6th grader, Ahmir Jolliff, and the principal, Dan Marburger were killed. 5 others were injured. Names have not been released of the injured, but they included 4 students. The incident occurred around 7:37 am before school when very few students and staff were in the building. Police found an improvised explosive device after the incident. Butler had also made many social media posts before and during the incident. Protests were made after the shooting, saying that Iowa needs to have a stronger hold on gun policies.
ALICE Training has affected many people, including schools in the area. EJHS even experienced an incident involving a firearm, however, nobody was harmed and no shots were fired. According to sources the weapon was identified as a .380 caliber handgun. It was recovered from a 14-year-old after students on their bus reported seeing the weapon to administrators, who then immediately pulled the student from class. A resource officer then found the weapon on the student and confiscated the weapon.
A little over a year ago, Bachelor experienced a saddening incident where a handgun was shown to friends on the bus. Thankfully, a student alerted staff when they arrived at school, and the situation was taken care of with nobody harmed. According to sources, the weapon was a loaded 9mm handgun found in a 13-year-old’s backpack. Extra safety precautions were held after the finding and parents were notified immediately. The student faces a one-year expulsion under Indiana Law.
After speaking with some teachers, many feel that it is an important topic to talk about and many are making efforts to make sure all students feel comfortable and safe. Mrs. Musselwhite states, “ALICE Training allows students to feel more prepared if something happens. And unfortunately, in today's society, this is a real thing that is happening and we have to prepare for it.” Many schools are taking into account the fact that something like this could happen. Mrs. Musselwhite also states, "If all students have a safe adult they can go to in this building, they will be more likely to make sure that they feel as prepared and comfortable as possible. This is a really scary topic to think about and as a teacher and is hard for me to both learn and teach, but having kids feel and know they are safe is paramount to success.” Many students get nervous about this topic, and there is no shame in it. If anyone ever feels uncomfortable or needs someone to talk to, the counselors are always there to help or talk to someone.
After talking with some students, most agreed that ALICE Training is an important thing to go over in school. Poppy Bishop, a seventh grader here at EJHS, stated, “ALICE Training brings peace of mind to many students in our school. It’s an honestly terrifying topic that I think about a lot.” Laina Chandler, a 6th grader at EJHS, stated, “I think we should go over ALICE Training at least once a term so that students can learn what to do.” Another topic that has been brought up is the resource officer at our school. Jack Grubaugh, a 7th grader, stated, “I think a resource officer is important because they are equipped with things that can provide safety.” Our school resource officer, Officer Miller said, “I can be a good influence on students and I can be here faster if there is a critical incident, than other law enforcement from around the county.”
We have previously gone over the ALICE training at EJHS. We do the ALICE training because it helps us know what to do if anything were to happen at our school. Everyone needs to know how to act and what procedures to follow during any circumstance. It helps teachers know that they can tell the students what to do and have them understand. The school wants us to know what and how to do things to keep us safe if anything happens.
Even though it is a sad and scary thing to think about, ALICE training is an important thing to learn about. This topic can be scary for many, especially the school staff and students. If you need to talk to anyone to clarify the things taught or just need somebody to talk to you can reach out to teachers or guidance counselors.
Sources:
Herald times
WRTV
Indiana Daily Student
Fox 59
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