Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
Schools look at ways to alert students
Recent school shootings throughout U.S. cause local officials to re-evaluate plans
Thursday, February 21, 2008 — linois University, both Pfeiffer University and Stanly Community College (SCC) continue to work diligently on keeping their own students safe.
SCC President Dr. Mike Taylor said the tragedy at Virginia Tech forced all colleges and universities to re-evaluate polices and procedures in regards to ensuring, as much as possible, campus safety and security.
“At SCC, we reviewed our critical incident plan and installed a notification system for students, faculty and staff using cell phone technology,” he said.
“We even demonstrated that system with the trustees at their January meeting.”
Multiple school shootings have occurred throughout the U.S., including Columbine High School in Colorado, Virginia Tech, Platte Colorado High School, West Nickel Mines Amish School in Pennsylvania and the most recent Northern Illinois University shooting.
In the last month, news reports indicate three additional school shootings in Tennessee, California and Louisiana.
Pfeiffer University is on track with a new mass notification system called Connect-ED that provides college officials the ability to schedule, send and track specific messages to the campus community within minutes.
“In the wake of recent and past tragedies that have occurred on school campuses, we realized the urgency of effectively communicating to our campus communities if their is an emergency,” Pfeiffer University President Chuck Ambrose said.
Other efforts at Pfeiffer include 24-hour patrol coverage by Misenheimer Police Department, an update of Pfeiffer’s Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan, assigned building captains for each structure on campus and recent discussions under way about possibly adding additional lighting along U.S. 52 and the installation of an alarm or siren system to alert students of emergency situations and inclement weather.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure safety, so we depend on the entire campus community to be watchful, diligent and to report any unusual activity,” Ambrose said.
Stanly County Schools are also paying special attention to news reports regarding school shootings and continuing to take measure to keep children safe.
A buzzer system is in place at all elementary schools with the exception of the new Central Elementary School, which is being pursued, according to Assistant Superintendent Dr. Angela Mills.
The system allows the operator at the front desk to judge a person before he or she is let in the building during school hours.
The high schools are equipped with cameras due to the comings and goings, making it nearly impossible to place a buzzer system available.
“All of our schools work hard on their emergency management plans,” Mills said.
“We want to be as prepared as we possibly can.”
Sarah Jane Rosser can be contacted at snaponline26@yahoo.com.
- Local News
-
-
Fair opens tonight
Rides, games, music and more hit the Stanly County Fairgrounds tonight in the form of the 76th annual Stanly County Fair, sponsored by American Legion Post 76. This year, the rides will be put on by J&J Amusements.
-
Even though deadline has passed, SCS still accepts donations
With donations still coming in, the school tools campaign has been deemed a success according to Pokie Noland, Stanly County Schools director of student services.
-
Albemarle Police Report
Albemarle Police Department reports the following activity:
• Mitchell Jermaine White, 22, was arrested on a charge of possession of Sch. II on Lundix Street at Washington Lane, Aug. 27. -
Stanly County Sheriff’s Report
Stanly County Sheriff’s Office reports the following activity:
-
Pedestrians, motorists urged to be cautious at Pfeiffer
A Pfeiffer University student had a brush with death when crossing the road on Wednesday.
According to Misenheimer Police Chief Tracey Wyrick, the student assumed that an approaching vehicle would stop as a courtesy. This misunderstanding led to the student nearly being struck. -
West teacher receives state business award
A local teacher has won one of the highest education awards in the state.
John Thompson, a business education teacher at West Stanly High School (WSHS), recently received the Orus B. Sutton Award, which is presented to the Outstanding Business and Information Technology Teacher of the Year in North Carolina. -
Committee discusses renovations to school facilities
Many of the local schools will be getting a makeover this school year. In its meeting last week, the Stanly County Board of Education Facilities Committee discussed specific renovations to the schools.
-
Stanly County Sheriff’s Report
Stanly County Sheriff’s Report announces the following activity:
• Robert M. Burroughs, Sutton Springs Road, Charlotte, reported damage to property, Aug. 20. -
Correspondent no longer with TV station
UNC-TV Senior Legislative Correspondent Eszter Vajda is no longer employed at the state’s public television network as of Aug. 18, according to Gail Zimmermann, associate general manager of the station.
- Albemarle Police Report
- More Local News Headlines
-
