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Saftey Measures at Eagle Ridge

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by mwork, Jan 7, 2013.

  1. mwork

    mwork New Member

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    I just sent off this email to the principal at ERMS based on my experince this morning. I think this is really concerning, given recent events. If you think this cannot happen in a place like Ashburn, visit Sandy Hook, CT. No one would have ever thought it possible there either. I think parents need to be vigilant that the school is doing their part every day, every time. To be fair, I'll post the response to email as well. But, if this is observed by other parents at any of our schools, we need to speak up.

    Good Morning,

    It is with great concern that I need to bring this morning's experience to your attention.

    I just returned from dropping off a History binder that my daughter forgot to bring to school today. This is the first time I have visited the school since the new safety measures have been implemented. As I walked up to the school, of course I couldn't help but think of the Sandy Hook incident and even took note that the school resource officer was loading up his car and leaving, probably a well deserved break in the day. Please note, that was not of issue to me at the time.

    As I walked up to the intercom, a mom and her two kids were exiting the building, rather than grab the door to go in as I might have in the past, I rang the intercom with my ID ready to be verified and I was surprised that I was buzzed in automatically. When I entered the office, both receptionist were on the phone and looked very busy. At first I thought maybe there would be an ID check in the office, but nothing. No one even was able to greet me. I looked around and found the purple sign in sheet to drop off the binder. I could not help but be concerned. What has changed? What measures are in place that are going to really protect my child. I realize people are busy, but look at the price of being wrong? This is not about the receptionist being too busy. I appreciate how chaotic their day can get. But there needs to be a back up system in place if both people are occupied on necessary phone calls and there is someone buzzing the door. Everyone needs to be authorized to enter the building every time as outlined by LCPS or else why have the security measures outlined to begin with?

    I trust ERMS to be responsible for my child's safety every day, every moment she is in your building.

    Thank you,
     
  2. mwork

    mwork New Member

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    Just to follow up...here is the email response I received.

    Dear Mrs. XXXX
    I just finished meeting with my front office staff regarding what happened this morning. I appreciate you letting me know and have taken steps to make sure there is no reoccurrence of what occurred this morning.
    Bridget Beichler
     
  3. serendipity

    serendipity New Member

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    I had a concern when leaving the school last week. As I was exiting through the main doors a father and his daughter were approaching the entrance and took the door as I came out. I did say, "Ah, I think you are supposed to show your id...." and was met with an annoyed eye roll. I think it would be a good idea to put up a notice on the door indicating not to hold the door open for others.
     
  4. Che11ez

    Che11ez Active Member

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    At the elementary school my son attends this year, I am VERY pleased with the step up in security since the incident at Sandy Hook! I am Id'ed everytime I go, even though they know both myself and my son, by name. :) I hope the school he goes to next year is the same... (I kept the names out for personal reasons!)
     
  5. Che11ez

    Che11ez Active Member

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    Keep us posted! Maybe you should just show up next week and see if there really is a difference...just a thought! ;)
     
  6. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    It's ingrained in us to be polite and hold the door for people. It's hard to remember not to in these cases.

    My child's school is beginning to be more diligent about viewing the camera to see who wants in but I think it's just an imperfect process all around. Our schools are not designed to be top secret, high level security buildings. They meet a good level of security by having locked doors and requiring people to identified before being buzzed in, but even that won't necessarily stop an incident like in CT, since the guy broke a window to get in.

    I asked our school front office staff about keeping the blinds open on the window that faces the entryway because one staff member sits in front of it but they didn't seem keen on that. I figured it was a good idea since then they get a chance to see what's going on at the front entrance. Still, a forcible entry there or elsewhere around the building wouldn't be stopped by that method.

    It's not an easy situation to avoid but I guess we're doing what we can to minimize it. I'm sure more can be done. Frankly, I'm sorry this even has to be an issue in elementary schools at all.
     
  7. Che11ez

    Che11ez Active Member

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    Also, please keep in mind that the guy at Sandy Hook shot out the windows...door holding or not, screening at the front etc...he was getting in no matter what...
     
  8. Bear

    Bear Member

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    I respectfully disagree. This horrific event, and others like it are extremely rare. I think having some filters is good as a deterrent to violent or pedifiles. But nothing can really stop a motivated mass murderer. I think almost any additional focus on security is a waste of time and money. I don't think letting an obvious father and his child in by holding the door is a problem.

    Bear
     
  9. frm

    frm New Member

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    For what it's worth - I've had to go by the school twice since winter break - and both times I was buzzed in, only after I showed my ID.
     
  10. terelli

    terelli New Member

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    You brought her binder to school?!
     
  11. mwork

    mwork New Member

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    Re: Safety Measures at Eagle Ridge

    I realize the ID system is not going to prevent someone who shot out a door or had every intention of getting inside the building. We all received the mass voicemail shortly after the incident reassuring parents that they were implementing stricter measures and we should expect to have proper ID to get in every building. I think what concerned me most is that although LCPS implemented greater security meausres than what we had before 12/14, it seems nothing had changed... at least to me on this particular morning. It is important to have every person abide by those measures, even the "other parent" with their child coming through the door at the same time. We don't let someone bypass the TSA line just to be polite. Sadly, these are the measures in place so everyone in the building has authorization to be there.
     
  12. mwork

    mwork New Member

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    Re: Safety Measures at Eagle Ridge

    Yep, I brought her binder to school. I didn't remember every single responsibilty either at 13, did you? For every item she forgets at home or school, she has to pay me $5.00. It's working :)
     

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