Student recounts fear and frustration after school lockdown

During a recent Kent School District board meeting, a senior from Kentwood High School shared a harrowing account of a lockdown incident that occurred on September 26th. The student recounted sitting in a ceramics class when the lockdown siren sounded, leading her class to seek refuge in a storage room for over an hour. While she felt safe in her location, she later learned that a serious incident was unfolding just outside the walls.

The student expressed her growing anxiety about the frequency of lockdowns throughout her education, noting that her initial fear has transformed into anger and a sense of trauma. She highlighted the emotional toll these experiences have taken on her academic performance and overall well-being. The student raised a critical concern regarding the lack of communication for staff members, specifically mentioning a groundskeeper who continued mowing the lawn during the lockdown, oblivious to the emergency due to his hearing protection.

She urged the board to improve communication systems for all employees on campus, emphasizing that their safety is equally important. The student proposed simple solutions, such as equipping staff with better notification devices, to ensure they are informed during emergencies.

In addition to this poignant testimony, the board recognized several upcoming observances, including America's Safe Schools Week, National School Bus Safety Week, National School Lunch Week, Filipino American History Month, LGBT History Month, National Bullying Prevention Month, National Physical Therapy Month, and National Principals Month. Each proclamation underscored the district's commitment to fostering a safe and supportive educational environment for all students and staff.

The meeting highlighted the pressing need for enhanced safety measures in schools, as well as the importance of recognizing and celebrating diversity and inclusion within the educational community. The board's acknowledgment of these issues reflects a broader commitment to addressing the challenges faced by students and staff in today's educational landscape.