The world is devastated by the loss of life in Connecticut, the same feeling we had when Columbine happened. How can this happen? So the politicians talk about gun control and the gun owners say "you will have to pry this gun out of my cold dead hand." The president is making a committee to take care of the violence in this world. Here is my suggestion.
On Monday, three days after this tragic event, I had to take cookies to my son's high school. I hit the buzzer at the front door, a lady asks "Can I help you?" I tell her I need to drop off cookies for my son's choir concert. She buzzes me in. There was a sign that said I needed to report to the main office.
Being a law-abiding citizen, I went to the main office. I stood there patiently as I saw the principal and several other adults having some conversation. The receptionist did not acknowledge me for several minutes (I recognized her voice as the person who buzzed me in).
When she finally asked, Can I help you? I repeated to her that I was there to drop off cookies for the choir. But shouldn't she of already known that? I was the only person she buzzed in.
Now I am sure the tragic loss of so many young people is why I was so aware of the lack of attention the school employees pay. From the principal to the receptionist. Since I was given so little attention, it makes me wonder how long I could of been in that school.
Our school board, after Columbine, placed a police officer at the high schools. (To my knowledge it was only the high schools). Where was he? Shouldn't he be there to escort any visitor? As a parent, I might get irritated to wait, but knowing my child is safe when I send him to school is more important.
Maybe the school boards need to create safety committees (of parents - no longer the PTA now to raise funds for the school, but to ensure our children are safe.) What was once so unthinkable is now our reality.
I am not taking away from the brave teachers who sacrificed their lives for the students in Connecticut, we need training for the school employees and patience from parents to maybe keep this from happening ever again.
Trish Dix
Parkersburg
