By Amritpal Nijjar
Staff Writer | The Pacific Times
Though it was just a drill, when “code red” was announced over the PA system, everyone went silent and classrooms went dark.
On Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, the Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Middle and High schools conducted a campus wide lockdown drill. This drill is critical to ensure safety and preparedness in the event that any hazardous situation occur on or near the school campus, the NP3 administration wrote in an email.
In the science buildings, students were quietly led to the middle hallways. In other classrooms, students were shuffled into middle rooms or simply took cover under desks.
Teachers lowered blinds, turned off lights and locked doors. Students remained silent, except for a few who did not take the drill seriously.
Students who find themselves caught outside class during a code red are instructed to take cover any way possible, such as hiding in the bathroom.
“The drill is better than just being told what to do, because we get to actually learn what to do,” said 11th grader Justine Arizabal. Active participation in the drill shows students how to hide, as well as what it feels like to wait out those tense moments.
As tragic school shootings continue to grace the headlines, it is important that all staff and students know what to do in case of an emergency.
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.