Letters to the Editor: Playing it Safe with School Security

I wanted to relate something to the parents and students out there that a friend told me about, regarding security in schools.

Most, if not all schools require a buzz-in at the doors. How many of us have "piggy-backed" in, or had someone come in behind us, even as we held the door for them as we passed through?

How many times have kids, passing through the lobby, seen an adult at the front door, waving to them to open it? Kids have happily opened the front door for me on numerous occasions over the years without my even asking. They just see someone approach and the door opens, and yes, it's convenient, and it's a friendly, polite gesture!

My friend (in Poughkeepsie, NY) went to pick her son up at school today and had to be buzzed in- she had to say who she was, who she was there for, and purpose. As she was buzzed in, a man attempted to slip in at the same time, as she tried to close the door behind her. He told her "they know me". She said it doesn't matter- you have to get buzzed in. Needless to say, he burned a hole in the back of her head as they stood in the office a couple of minutes later, as he muttered under his breath. 

Parents must realize that this is nothing personal and the precautions are in place to keep everyone safer, especially our children. There's no foolproof answer to this problem of violence in our schools (a microcosm of society) but we can have deterrents in place to help decrease the incidence of violence.

Also, please tell your kids not to open the door for an adult that they don't know personally and well enough. Schools, perhaps a gentle reminder to kids to not be so darn helpful and friendly by opening the doors? The visitors can buzz in. It's not a big deal. If they're not buzzed in and are standing there waving their arms, why might that be? Think about it. Perhaps the office chose NOT to buzz them in for some reason? Who knows. Make the decision, students, parents, and visitors, NOT to be a weak link by trying to be friendly. It sounds horrible, impolite, and all that, but there's no room for that sentiment now. 

Sincerely,

Tina Silverio, Mansfield

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