Amen, Brother Steve. It scares me when I agree with Dallas Morning New columnist Steve Blow, but he strikes paydirt in this morning's musings. Our public schools don't need more expensive technology in their security systems to keep the community out. They do better (and the kids do better) when we are active inside the building.
An automated call last week from Lake Highlands High School told me excitedly about the new measures in place to "keep our students safe," and I don't doubt that there are weirdos out there - even weirdos living closely among us. But Steve chronicles the experience of one Arlene Colbert, former RISD educator, who snuck a peek at DISD's Bonham Elementary while voting last spring. Here we are, a few months later, and she has transformed the school, creating Bonham Boosters, involving the community, and inspiring weary teachers that someone really does care.
As a frequent volunteer and LHHS hall walker, I have an immense appreciation for what goes on inside that building. I understand the security measures - the locked door, the buzz-in system, the intercom to evaluate you before they deem you acceptable. (I keep expecting them to ask for a blood draw or a DNA sample before they grant me access.) But once inside, I'm euphoric. To see David Wood interacting with his senior English students. To hear principal Walter Kelly call multitudes of students by name after less than three months in charge. To witness assistant principal Joe Copeland work with students referred to the office for discipline, but really aching for a strong, loving male in their lives. Awesome.
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