School safety is Armuchee High School’s top priority; it comes before all else. Administrators want to protect students and staff so they can learn, perform, and teach in a safe environment.
On September 4th, a school shooting took place at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, alarming many in Georgia that their school could be next. In response Mr. Pethel, the Principal, recently spoke to Armuchee High School students in class meetings, addressing everyone’s concerns. New rules and regulations such as identity checking, surveillance cameras, metal detectors, and random bag checks have been implemented to ensure a high level of security. Officer Werner, the school’s resource officer, said, “We regularly check the parking lot to make sure there aren’t any cars that aren’t supposed to be there and make sure that parents go to the correct door so that you don’t see an adult around campus that’s not supposed to be there.” The administration and staff implemented these rules to prevent people who shouldn’t be on school grounds from entering, and any person from bringing weapons on campus.
Administrators believe communication is a vital factor in preventing any negative situations. Coach Elliot, The Middle School Principal, said, “As soon as you see something or hear something you should tell any adult because the adults in the building have been informed of how important it is to relay that information.” Around the school there are signs that say “If you see something, say something,” the staff at Armuchee put these signs up because they want students to be aware that it’s important to use their voice in a situation that could be endangering.
In case an armed attack were to ever occur, the students at Armuchee High School have been made aware of the procedures they should follow. During the many lockdown drills at Armuchee, many staff members advise if a student is ever caught in the hallway during a school shooting, they should find a way to get behind a locked door no matter what. Officer Werner said, “As long as they’re behind a locked door, that’s the safest place for them.”
Mr.Pethel believes that staff and students can help administrators create a safe environment by spreading love and kindness. Mr.Pethel said, “I believe that the most important thing we can do is to love each other like we talk about every morning.” The administrators believe it is essential for students and teachers to have positive words and actions toward each other, so there can be a comfortable environment where students can learn and staff can do its job.
Throughout the years at Armuchee High School security and safety have advanced in order to ensure the safety of staff and students. With more communication, rules, and regulations being implemented, Armuchee High School is trying their best to create a safe environment.
