DHS's Code Blue Lockdown
What was it about?
What went wrong? Could it happen again?
These are some of the questions on the minds of parents and students of Durango High School
The May 6 th “Code Blue Lockdown” that left teachers and students at DHS frightened and angry seems to be on everyone's mind, but 9-R administrators took their time showing concern. No official apology or explanation was tendered to the community for over a week. In the meantime many citizens were disappointed and angry to hear the lockdown and the drug search described as successful.
What Happened
Everyone seems to agree that shortly after the high school opened on May 6, around 8:30 a.m., a voice on the intercom announced that a “Code Blue” lockdown had begun. Without forewarning that this was only a practice , teachers and students went into a “lockdown” procedure -- that consisted of locking and securing classroom doors and darkening windows. Teachers and students then got as far into corners or under the furniture as they could and awaited further instructions, believing the unthinkable was happening. It would appear that at least a majority of teachers had no reason to believe this was only a practice and thus they were put in the uncomfortable position of not knowing what to say or how to act; whether to comfort or encourage students, not knowing, themselves, how to assess the sound of approaching footfalls in the hall or the loud banging of locker doors in the empty corridors. For forty minutes this “drill” continued, frightening students and teachers alike.
What were 9-R administrators thinking?
Clearly this was a mistake. Alarmed at what some called the “bullying behavior of the District,” parents began writing letters to the district and to the editorial pages. During “public participation” at the May 10th 9-R Board meeting, one citizen demanded that the board make a full investigation. Responding in the meeting to concerns about this unnecessarily frightening incident, the superintendent, Dr. Mary Barter, only disclosed that “we're always learning,” and suggested that it's truly unfortunate that our society has come to the point where this kind of thing is necessary. There was no statement or line of inquiry or discussion offered by the board members that would indicate anything but agreement and acceptance of the superintendent's statement.
While many parents and students spent the week of May 8th discussing what constitutes real security and safety, the District offered no opportunity to gather as a community to discuss feelings and concerns. The superintendent only revealed that there would not be another lockdown until they resume next fall.
Elsewhere across the nation, other communities have been assessing the pros and cons of lockdown drills by holding forums and talking together. Internet research suggests that many communities are exercising the utmost care in preparing parents and students in ways that reduce the potentially frightening aspects of such an exercise, even when students are clearly told, “This is a practice.”
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Some places use surveys and counseling AFTER drills to evaluate post drill feelings of confidence. Why not DHS? "Safe School Plan Goals" (pdf link) - all students and staff will be aware of and feel confident with emergency procedures.
"Local schools are conducting drills to prepare for armed intruders. What do they mean for children's safety and sense of security?” How do lockdowns affect children? Are they the answer to our post-Columbine world? Or are they a knee-jerk reaction?
Read how Minnesota school staff consciously work to reduce fear levels during lockdowns that are clearly practices: “Teachers, lock the doors. You do not have to turn off the lights,'” Bianchi said to the school. ‘This is a lockdown warning rather than an intruder in the building.' During the lockdown, teachers and students were encouraged to discuss the reasons for the drill and ways to improve school safety.”
Students don't have to be terrified for a drill to be effective
“Students stood with arms crossed, either stifling giggles or wearing somber faces.
The middle school practiced its first lockdown drill Friday, to prepare for what would happen if there was an intruder or dangerous person in the building.”