The new administration has updated the security policies over the past two years, including activity schedule sign up, QR code forms to sign out of Querbes Hall, and most recently, panic buttons.
“It is all about keeping everybody safe,” said Dr. Deborah Scerbicke, dean of students.

These new safety procedures are all beneficial to the school and were created to keep the students safe. The school also actively practices and reviews emergency drills to be prepared for an emergency situation.

“Panic buttons are there so that, if there is something that is happening in the building and there is a source of concern, it will go straight to the police department,” said Dr. Scerbicke.

Panic buttons are similar to fire alarms, but instead of receiving assistance from the fire department, the buttons send an alert to the police. If there was a threat or emergency within the school, the panic buttons would help to get police assistance right away.

Student uniforms and visitor name tags helps the dean’s office and the administration identify people who are not supposed to be in the building.

“Someone without a uniform will stick out like a sore thumb,” said Dr. Scerbicke.

The school keeps track of the location of students by having students fill out Google Forms to sign up for activity schedules and QR code forms to exit the cafeteria. These systems ensure that everyone can be located in case of an emergency.

“I think the new safety procedures will make our students feel more secure and it will keep us safe from future harm and threats,” said sophomore Sarah Schultz.

The entire purpose of new safety features and emergency drills is to ensure the safety of everyone in the building. If there were a situation of harm, there must be a plan of action, so that anyone in the building can be protected. The updated procedures can ensure that everyone is safe in the school. Safety is a main priority to make sure that the school is under control and prepared for any bad situations that may occur.

“If you feel safe, then you can focus on your studies,” said Dr. Scerbicke.