Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in school shootings. If a scary situation like this were to occur at our school, it would be extremely important for students to be prepared. If there is a proper procedure for these scenarios, our middle school students are not aware of them. As you can assume, it is very important to have proper training for a situation like this. As middle school students at our school, we don't know how to barricade a door or even how to hide quickly if the situation becomes urgent. Do we leave if it comes to it? Do we try to get into a classroom? Do we open the door if someone says that they are the police? Or do we just stay put until we get the all clear? 

These questions could, and have made for dangerous situations and misassumptions. In 2021 alone, there have already been 144 cases of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 28 deaths and 86 injuries. By having more drills, teachers will have an easier time rounding up panicked students. Parents offer advice on what to do, but if everybody is doing something different the situation will become chaotic, with others following kids who are unsure of what to do themselves. We would much rather feel safe and prepared at school, rather than scared of the uncertain.

All students should feel safe at their schools. Drills such as these being practiced will work toward a feeling of safety and contentment throughout the public school system. Students knowing the devastation that school shootings can cause can keep them from taking part in school shootings. By signing this petition, you are helping us convince our principal that schools should have more shooting drills/talk-overs to ensure the safety and preparedness of the student body and faculty as a whole. Students all have a reason to be worried about school shootings. Please help us feel prepared.