Three loud beeps were heard over the Fife High School intercom at approximately 1:30 p.m. today. We all looked at the teacher, waiting for the annoyed and knowing look for the interruption. But something was different about this alarm. It did not sound like a regular fire drill alarm. No. It sounded more...alarming. We all stared at the teacher, still waiting for "the look." We received a look; but it was not the look we were all anticipating. It was a look of confusion. Then we heard, "we are having a lockdown-this is NOT a drill." Our first reaction, we all thought it was a joke. I, for one, thought I misunderstood the comment until our principal repeated the last words informing us that it was not a drill. I looked around the room. Everyone was silent-in shock, I suppose. But, oddly enough, a sudden desire to laugh came over me, and I could not help myself but chuckle. It was an odd feeling, the feeling that it was all a joke but still being hit with the realization that we might actually be in danger. A chill slowly went up my spine and I shuddered from the irony of it all.
After about 30 minutes, the lockdown was called off by the Fife Police Department. No one was hurt. The principal told us that a suspicious man had been prowling around our campus. I later read on the school website that the man was a sexual assault suspect.
I still feel like laughing. It is a very odd feeling indeed; an ironic feeling. I don't like it.
After about 30 minutes, the lockdown was called off by the Fife Police Department. No one was hurt. The principal told us that a suspicious man had been prowling around our campus. I later read on the school website that the man was a sexual assault suspect.
I still feel like laughing. It is a very odd feeling indeed; an ironic feeling. I don't like it.
1 comments:
Andrea,
I have a student at Fife High School who told me Monday afternoon that a couple of girls in the class had the same laughing reaction that you did. After thinking about it, your reaction was most likely out of fear. This can be a normal reaction.
My concern with the entire incident is that my student did not feel safe. She/he stated that no one in the class including the instructor knew what to do. This is the first lockdown at FHS that I know of, and a lot can be learned from it.
First of all there should be lockdown drills during the school year just like there are fire, earthquake and lahar drills. Every person in every building should know exactly what to do immediately. Laughing and being disruptive are not a part of the protocol for lockdowns I'm sure.
The district and building Administrators do everything they can to keep everyone safe in these situations. They are counting on complete cooperation from both students and staff in the affected buildings. Lockdowns could be the result of ANYTHING. Staying calm, quiet and following directions are vital. Closing and locking doors and windows and closing the blinds are the very first actions that should be taken.
Remaining quiet and calm are necessary for everyone's safety. Cell phones should be off limits and banned altogether.
Because you are concerned about your own reaction to this lockdown, perhaps you should share it with one of the Principal's or the Dean of Student's. Bring this to their attention could be very helpful to the entire school and would make this FHS parent very proud!!
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