In light of recent tragedies like the shootings at Sandy Hook, CUSD officials have reviewed security measures district-wide and summarized their findings at the Superintendent’s Teacher Council meeting held on January 14.
Superintendent Joe Farley and CUSD Safety Director Mike Beekman spoke about safety to the group consisting of representatives from CUSD schools, according to an email provided to The Express.
Beekman reviewed safety procedures that the district already has in place and introduced new tools that can help students and teachers in case of an emergency, such as the Lock Block.
The Lock Blok is a device that fits on the side of a locked classroom door, keeping it slightly ajar. In case of emergency like a lock-down, a pin can be pulled from inside and the door will close, sealing the room.
The device solves the problem of teachers having to go outside a classroom to lock their doors. Currently Debbie Miyamoto is demoing the Lock Blok at SJHHS. Over 8,000 would be needed to outfit classrooms that do not lock from the inside.
Text-A-Tip allows students to send anonymous messages to the assistant principal. He or she can then relay messages to staff if something could be a potential hazardous to the school environment. The SJHHS Text A Tip number is (949)-607-8463.
Assistant Principal, Darrin Jindra, discussed the security situation at SJHHS with The Express. He does not think that the new security measures will really affect students’ daily life because the changes are subtle. According to Jindra, SJHHS is just as prepared for an emergency as any other school because they all follow the same security format.
“I think we’d be prepared [for an emergency]. I don’t think any school can ever be totally prepared, but if you have the basics in place then you can get through it,” said Jindra.
Jindra also discussed possible options students should consider when they are faced with an imminent threat such as a shooter. This could be running, hiding or “doing whatever action is the most logical to ensure survival, depending on the situation.”
He advised students to rehearse a plan in their head that they could act on if a certain catastrophe occurs which will give them a faster reaction to the situation instead of catching them off guard. Students should always consider “What would I do if..?” said Jindra.
The “class kit” is another precaution under consideration. It is a supply barrel that includes five gallons of water, blankets, toiletry items, food and other standard items that can nourish students for a limited time during a lock-down. It is currently in use at Dana Hills High School, but not at SJHHS, due to its expense.
Other measures Beekman spoke about included reminders of systems already in place.
The Sheriffs Department conducts event analysis and situational training at school sites on weekends. There are seven full time deputies at the high schools and also a SMART team (School Mobile Response Team) with four additional officers who can respond to threats.
In the event of an emergency the district has an organizational plan to deal with it from an Emergency Operation Center located above the district office and can go mobile in case it is destroyed in an earthquake, for example.
The center consists of three branches. The Command Branch contains the Superintendent and Cabinet, who make decisions with law enforcement and emergency planners. The Operations Branch handles supplies, logistics, and psychologists. The Community Branch deals with communication with the community.
All branches are connected through telephone lines to each school site and through radios, in the event of phone lines go down.SECURITY AT SJHHS: This new $10 security device, currently being demo’d in Miyamotos’ class, was designed to lock down a classroom quickly in case of an emergency by simply sliding the lever and allowing the already locked door to shut.
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I am currently a Senior at San Juan Hills High School. In addition to working as a reporter for the school newspaper, I am also a member of the Golf Team, President of the Teens 4 Troops Club, and active member of the Senior Class Council. I can be reached at [email protected] or through Facebook.
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