It is becoming far too commonplace. Hardly a week goes by
without hearing about a shooting in one of our schools. There have been 6
deaths and 25 injuries since the start of 2018. The most recent incident
occurred in a Los Angeles middle school where four students and a teacher were
injured Innocent children and teachers get murdered for no good reason. The shootings are not limited to one
geographic area of the United States. Recent incidents have occurred in
Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina and Arizona. Schools are
supposed to be safe places- a nurturing environment where young minds can get
challenged to reach their full potential. For many students school is also the
place to get a nutritious meal or basic medical care. Schools are mini- communities
where students can learn social skills and the value of positive peer
relationships. Schools are also training facilities for future athletes.
Schools across the country have had to implement extra
security procedures and have hired police officers or sheriff’s deputies to
patrol school buildings. We need to continue to seek ways to keep our children
safe. The discussion of school safety will ultimately lead to a discussion
about gun control. Usually, when someone brings the issue up after a horrific
shooting, there is always someone who states,” This is not the time to talk
about gun control.” Actually it is. Sadly there have even been deniers who
claim that the Sandy Hook Massacre was a hoax!
Remember, “ Even on
your worst day as a teacher, you are some student’s best hope.” With that in mind,
we must find a way to keep our children safe.
C.2018 J. Margolis
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