As a concerned parent and a proud graduate of Upper Darby High School, I fear for the safety of our children, especially in light of recent incidents. This school year alone, as early as September, a gun and an "AR style magazine" were discovered on our school premises. This is simply unacceptable and terrifying. Our children, along with the staff of the school, deserve a safe, gun-free environment to focus on education. Upper Darby High School prepares our children for their future; a task it should be able to undertake without the looming threat of violence.

The school district must step up to find the means—financially and in personnel—to install metal detectors as a critical security measure. A study conducted by the National Association of School Psychologists, though not specifically focusing on metal detectors, did state that increased physical security measures lead to a greater sense of safety among students.

This petition urges the school district to prioritize our children's safety. It's time we stopped worrying about the possible dangers lurking in our beloved school. We call on the Upper Darby School District to update its security procedure by implementing metal detectors. Our children's futures depend on their ability to succeed in a safe learning environment, free from the fear of gun violence. Please sign this petition if you believe our children deserve safe schools.