Unit Five Examines Safety Measures Following School Shooting
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: September 7, 2012
NORMAL--Unit Five is already rethinking safety procedures at school.
"Roughly 2,000 students are in that building who are probably going to be watching everybody's moves and everybody's circumstances," said Superintendent Gary Niehaus.
While everyone managed to escape Normal Community without getting hurt, some parents are rethinking keeping their kids in public school.
"I'm just not so sure that I want her to come back. I'd rather home school here where she's safe," said parent Sandy Zogg.
Now the district is working to keep weapons out of the building.
Superintendent Gary Niehaus says the district is considering all strategies, from security scanners, to body wands.
"We're going to look and see how that would work in our building in our district and make some further recommendations."
Students are allowed to carry backpacks to and from class.
But now, those bags will be under closer watch.
"I want teachers and staff to feel they have my support to look at a book bag at any point in time," said Niehaus.
Next week, psychologists will be available to students who need help coping.
"We'll have to beef up our counseling and allow students that opportunity," said Niehaus.
The district hopes with everyone's watchful eye dangerous activity will be spotted and stopped before something like this happens again.
"I think our students will be the first to let someone know when something like this goes on."
"Roughly 2,000 students are in that building who are probably going to be watching everybody's moves and everybody's circumstances," said Superintendent Gary Niehaus.
While everyone managed to escape Normal Community without getting hurt, some parents are rethinking keeping their kids in public school.
"I'm just not so sure that I want her to come back. I'd rather home school here where she's safe," said parent Sandy Zogg.
Now the district is working to keep weapons out of the building.
Superintendent Gary Niehaus says the district is considering all strategies, from security scanners, to body wands.
"We're going to look and see how that would work in our building in our district and make some further recommendations."
Students are allowed to carry backpacks to and from class.
But now, those bags will be under closer watch.
"I want teachers and staff to feel they have my support to look at a book bag at any point in time," said Niehaus.
Next week, psychologists will be available to students who need help coping.
"We'll have to beef up our counseling and allow students that opportunity," said Niehaus.
The district hopes with everyone's watchful eye dangerous activity will be spotted and stopped before something like this happens again.
"I think our students will be the first to let someone know when something like this goes on."
