On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, a devastating school shooting occurred at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. A 14-year-old student opened fire inside the school, resulting in the deaths of two students and two teachers, as well as the injury of nine others.
According to health officials, those injured in this incident are expected to make a full recovery, but schools all over the country are growing concerned and vigilant about gun violence. In 2024 alone, there have been over 20 school shootings in the United States.
“When I hear about school shootings I feel sad that our world has come to this,” freshman Evangeline Jacob said. “I feel that most people put these shootings aside and think that it will never happen to them. But if it were to happen, I would like to feel prepared and have an understanding about the drill.”
With this high volume of school shootings, NHP has reformed policies and protocols to create a safer and more secure environment for all in the building. NHP has implemented three main drills to prioritize the safety of students, staff and faculty: fire, lockdown and emergency evacuation.
The lockdown drill is conducted in order to rehearse the order of events that would occur to maintain safety if there is a threat inside the school building. The doors of the building are locked with a press of a button. Students are instructed to gather in a designated spot within the classroom and follow lockdown protocol until notified by an administrator.
The emergency evacuation drill is practiced during the school year to prepare students for the potential of an instance in which all people would be required to to leave the building efficiently, effectively and quickly.
To prioritize safety for our school, school officials have also instituted an ID policy that requires all students and staff to wear IDs while in the building. Students must also scan their IDs to obtain lunch, enter the library and enter the nurses’ office.
“If you’re wearing your ID with your picture on it… we know you belong here,” assistant principal Mr. Geritano said. “If there’s a situation where someone is in the hallway and doesn’t have their ID badge on, we will assume you do not belong here and have to take necessary steps. The ID badges play a critical role in making sure everyone is safe.”
Still, students have a range of different emotions due to the magnitude of school shootings that have occurred.
“I don’t think that I am prepared to handle an emergency as I still feel like so much could happen,” junior Abigail Alexander said. “I feel like so much more could be done to help students feel more secure and safe in the school environment.”
As students, teachers and communities continue to cope with the fallout of these tragedies, school officials encourage students to remain observant and active in fostering a safer environment at NHP through staying alert and following protocols.
“We need help from the students to wear IDs and follow the protocol, no Door-Dash or Ubers, and to be aware of the news,” security guard Ms. Wilson said. “It’s a community effort.”
