By ANDREW LEE, MUSA MA and ELDWEN CHEN
A recent lockout procedure experienced in Jericho High School and Middle School reveals a need for a review of communication procedures during emergencies.
When a loudspeaker announcement sent Jericho schools into a lockout procedure, doors were locked and students were kept in their classes for around two hours. Nassau County Police conducted an investigation after receiving multiple safety threats. The threats were deemed not credible, and school returned to normal for the rest of the day.
After the incident, the responses of faculty and students to the lockout revealed a substantial lack of staff communication and fear among many students.
The only direct communication that was sent to staff consisted of a PA announcement commencing the lockout and instructions to check for an email message.
In this middle school class students remained seated and calmly went on their devices during the lockout. This is in direct opposition to the students in the featured image above, who mistakenly went into full lockdown safety protocols.
Many teachers felt the need for more direct communication, especially during the lockout itself. World language teacher Ms. Tomkiel wished she had more information during the lockout since much of what she did hear was from her pupils. She said, “Perhaps it could be possible to give the teachers a little bit more of a heads up so we don’t have to find out from our students.”
This was a common refrain among the faculty. Psychology teacher Ms. Ornstein also gave a similar suggestion. “Keep the staff and faculty a little more in the loop. It feels weird when the kids know more than we do,” she said.
One student, senior Ishin S., stated that he played video games during the lockout. Unfortunately, other students were more emotionally distressed.
The wide range of responses to the event could be attributed to personal variability, but junior Keona Y.’s comments hint at a different explanation. She said, “I was confused at first and got a little bit scared because a lot of people were saying that there was a shooter in the school.”
This situation leads to our recommendation for more communication directly to students to alleviate some of the fear and worry surrounding uncertain times. While the information may be confidential and responsible adults on campus may deal with the safety threat and response, students may need to be alerted to the nature of the safety threat. Unsubstantiated rumors were a major problem during this lockout procedure, and communication is the direct way to combat them.
Jericho High School Co-principal Mr. Cohen noted that constant training is always necessary as each safety procedure in action is another learning experience. He underscored that the well-being of the community is always paramount. He said, “I take everyone’s safety incredibly seriously.”
This spirit of safety is greatly appreciated. However, it is apparent from the spread of rumors and confusion that more communication would promote a safer and calmer environment during times of uncertainty and fear.