Metal detectors, x-ray machines, and security officers are some of the safety features that Jackson-Reed uses to ensure students get in and out of school safely. Not all schools are lucky enough to have the protection we do, like many private schools in the area. While all Jackson-Reed students and staff are grateful for these safety elements, there is still a lot that could be improved.
One sophomore student, who wished to remain anonymous, complained that she couldn’t bring her Starbucks drink through security. She reflected that when it was her turn to go through security, she put her bag on the belt and placed her drink on the machine, thinking nothing of it. The security officer then told her she wasn’t able to bring the drink because outside drinks aren’t allowed. However, if that same drink were in a thermos or bottle that came from home, it would have been allowed. “Why would my drink be fine in a different container but not the paper Starbucks cup? It would be the exact same drink, and this rule doesn’t make any sense,” she complained.
The morning security lines are always jam-packed with students trying to make it to class before the bell rings, and some students are agitated that this ritual does not apply to adults. As students wait in line to remove their jackets and sling their bags through the conveyor belt, staff can be seen walking right past the metal detectors. It’s important to note however, that all school staff have had background checks before being given their job.
There are things that the security wishes students did differently while coming through the line each morning. One security guard shared that she wished students did not, “bring in stuff that they know they [are not] supposed to bring,” such as eyelash curlers and metal silverware. Another anonymous security guard noted that she didn’t agree with the rule that students can’t bring outside food into the building. She also shared that there is technically a rule “with the containers you bring from home, you’re not supposed to bring [them to school],” in reference to Stanleys, YETIs, and other metal containers. It would take too long for them to sniff all the cups, so she said that rule is not enforced.
Extra precaution has recently been added to the security process, causing many more students to arrive late to class. Starting November 12, students have been required to remove their laptops from their backpack, placing them separately through the x-ray machine. This step has been taken since students have been caught attempting to smuggle in vapes hidden in laptops. While there are several flaws in JR’s security system, the school community is grateful to have safety measures protecting students and staff. •
