At Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, on Aug. 27, the first Friday of the school year, students were celebrating with a mass at the school’s connecting church. Instead of a welcoming celebration, it ended in devastation. A school shooter opened fire.
There were three deaths and 21 injured, 18 of which were children. Among the deceased are 8-year-old boy, Fletcher Merkel, and 10-year-old girl, Harper Moyski.
This tragic event has resulted in many concerns from parents and students. Many families throughout the country are worried about their children’s safety at school. Tragedies such as this one can leave lasting effects on many schools and families.
Cardinal Gibbons has taken precautions as their students’ safety is the top priority.
The school always has active police at the school trained for incidents, similar to the shooting in Minnesota. Police officers are stationed at the front of the school and are prepared for any threat. There are roughly 10 officers that cycle through a rotation guarding the campus, with many of them being familiar with the school for years.
Joseph Van Bergen is the director of safety and security at Cardinal Gibbons. Prior to working here, he was a police officer in New Jersey for more than 35 years. He specialized in helping in school resource programs.
Since his arrival four years ago, Gibbons adopted the Standard Response Program, with Wake County following our lead just this new school year. This protocol includes five main actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter, with each having specific directions for staff and students.
Our school has three of these practice drills every year to enforce these regulations. As well as each classroom having signs depicting which type of lockdown or which escape route is most accessible from each location in the school.
But what should students remember in regards to a lockdown? In case of a lockdown, teachers will do a sweep of the hallways, and the doors should be closed and locked, with the door shade covering the window. The classroom doors should remain locked until a police officer is present. All students then go into the far corner of the classroom, from the door, and remain quiet. In addition, directions will be discussed over the PA system. As well, students should listen to teachers for more detailed instructions.
“To date,” said Van Bergen, “no school shooter has ever breached a locked classroom door.”
Accidents and threats can happen anywhere on campus at any given time, such as unique situations like in the gym, during a school mass or sporting event. During mass, educators are instructed to evaluate the threats and evacuate all students. Side doors and locker rooms can be used depending on the situation. While at an outdoor sporting event, it truly is dependent on the threat. The priority is self-evacuation and to reach a safe space.
Many students see Cardinal Gibbons as a second home – a place to learn, connect and grow. Tragic events like the Minneapolis school shooting raise awareness and reaffirm the importance of preparation. Gibbons continues to prioritize students safety above all. As we remember the victims of the school shooting and what seems to be the often recurring headlines of many more we remember the importance of vigilance, compassion and community.
