Security at Hillgrove High School By: Manuel Colorado

Many High schools around the United States have many ways to ensure the students are safe. Schools have many security measures protect everyone within the campus. Unfortunately, some schools cannot seem to pinpoint everything. Liliana Clark a sophomore at Hillgrove High School stated, “I think overall we have good cops at our school, and I think they do a good job surveilling the school, but I do think some of the stuff people get away with, it’s noticeable but they just like don’t care.” While some people choose to stay away from trouble while some do it and get away with it. Some schools cannot really provide surveillance in every part of the school. Liliana said, “I would put them by the gym bathrooms and the stairwell.” Schools tend to have more security around the restrooms. According to k-12 dive “Vandalism, vaping, drug use, bullying and debates over transgender student access are keeping bathrooms a persistent concern for school leaders.”  While some students use the bathroom regularly, some students abuse the privilege of the restroom. Students tend to have a safe atmosphere while at school, some student can feel threatened. Liliana Stated “Probably, like, even, even a few weeks ago, after the thing that happened at was the high school Apalachee like, just a few days, I was just like, oh, because there were already rumors of threats.” While schools tend to be on top of the safety, schools can’t always prevent everything. According to BBC news “There have been more than 385 mass shootings across the US so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more people are injured or killed.” America has been experiencing school shootings since 1999. Cameras are the most important thing to ensure the safety and protection of their students. Liliana said, “I would add more cameras around the school.” Having Cameras Makes the students feel more protected and helps the faculty and staff feel protected. 

While students can feel unsafe teachers could as well. Senora Rodriguez a teacher at Hillgrove High School stated, “As teachers, we can all be more aware of our surroundings in the school.” While teachers are aware of their surroundings they always must prepare for dangerous situations. Typical high schools have many secure places for students incase of an emergency. Senora Rodriguez said, “Inside the classrooms, inside the classrooms.” Teachers have protocols to follow to make sure the classrooms are safe and secure. Teachers can do many things to make everyone feel safe. Senora Rodriguez stated “First, I have to make sure that my students are safe and that they feel safe, and if I have to take action, I will.” Teachers have been through training and make sure to make the students feel safe before themselves. According to Raptor Technologies “Training should include evidence-based lessons and safety drills that give everyone the confidence to respond to any kind of violence.” As days go by school could get increasingly dangerous, and schools could change that. Senora Rodriguez said “There's never enough. I think we can always do more, especially with things that are happening around the states. I think everybody will feel safer if we add more.” While schools may think they could be secure there is always more ways provide safety and security. There are many ways to have more security for students and staff. Senora Rodriguez stated “Again, with the things that are going on around the US, I think it's a good idea to add metal detectors, because you never know what somebody might bring into the building.” Metal detectors could prevent people from bringing in weapons that could put many people at risk.

Students at Hillgrove have knowledge on how to act during Practice drills. Allison Cornejo a sophomore at Hillgrove High School stated, “Students should act quiet and not make a noise.” Students have been taught code red drills for years and should know how to act. According to Eagle Eye News “Students should be quiet, not wearing headphones, listening to music or using their phones.” Students should be aware and not play around during a drill. Self- defense can be controversial because self- defense can exceed to more assault. Allison stated, “protect yourself, unless you need to do this, you do so in case of self-defense, you shouldn't be like put against it.” Some students can use and abuse the laws of self-defense, while some people use self-defense the right way. Some students can get themselves into any issue and do not know how to resolve it. Allison stated, “I would tell a trusted adult.” Students that have been having issues at school could always tell a teacher or administrator. Schools have parts that are more secure than others. Allison said, “like I say, like the front of your school, because there's a lot of people there usually” Schools usually have more security in the front of the school because to are the most populated areas. Students and teachers have many opinions on their school security. Allison stated, “I think it's good. I'm not really like paying attention to my surroundings.