Challenges for Public Schools

From Elena Ferrarin:

That we are driven to this is depressing. What do you think?

A “lockdown” drill Wednesday at Cary-Grove High School that included simulated gun shots — an element that had drawn criticism from some parents — went smoothly, district officials said.

The drill took place at about 9 a.m. and lasted no more than 20 minutes, said Jeff Puma, director of communications for Community High School District 155.

Two school deans each fired one shot from a starter’s gun at each end of the building, so all students could hear at least one shot, Puma said. District officials said it was important students learn what a gun sounds like, to better react in emergencies.

“We couldn’t have asked for our kids to be more engaged in it. They took it seriously, they immediately followed protocol, along with our staff,” Puma said.

What made an impression on teacher Devin Hester, weren’t the simulated gun shots but staring at his students after he locked his classroom’s door and drew the shades.

“It did feel a little more serious with (students) being there,” said Puma, who had taken part in staff-only drills before that.