Greetings, ATS!
Yesterday we had an intruder in our school, and I wanted to share with you what happened.
First, some background info. I teach in a very rough neighborhood. Although our school is in a rural area, it feels more like inner city with gang
violence and crime rates.
Part and parcel with teaching in this area are the very real threats against the school, the students, and the teachers. We have lots of custody
disputes, with parents threatening violence towards their significant other or their children...this happens far more often than you would think.
I've even had my life threatened by an irate father when I reported him to social services. Apparently he didn't think that smacking his daughter
with a bristle brush so hard that it left tiny holes in her legs was inappropriate. That entire year I had to be escorted to my car by our
custodian.
So my school is in a rough area, and we take the potential for danger seriously. That's why every classroom door is always locked and closed.
Anyway, with the recent upswing in school violence, our central office staff decided to "test" how schools would respond to an intruder.
Yesterday, the "intruder" came to my school. Bad move.
She stormed in the school and went straight past the office, not bothering to sign in ( a requirement). She then went down the hallway, trying to get
in different classrooms and screaming about finding her nephew.
We had no idea this was a drill; not even our principal knew about it. Which is the entire point, of course. Anyway, the custodian and the school
secretary immediately gave chase.
They tackled her right outside my room. I heard the thud as she hit the floor, then the cries of "Don't hurt me! I'm from Central Office!"
Our secretary sat on her until we verified her credentials....then we called the ambulance.
One broken arm and several contusions later.....our school has been officially recognized as the only school in our district that a)stopped the
intruder and b)the intruder was unable to enter a single classroom.
I'm sure it would have been different if she'd been carrying a gun...but its still nice to know that my school takes these things seriously.
Next week, in writing center, my students will make her get well cards. I hear she's out of the hospital and expected to make a full recovery.