LQHS Holds First Lockdown Drill of the School Year

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, La Quinta High School had it first lockdown drill of the year during the passing period before third period. With the recent school shooting in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida, many students across the U.S. are on edge. It is worth noting, however, the recent school shooting did not prompt LQHS’ practice drill, as the school had already had it planned.

Some aspects that could be added to classrooms to create a feel for a safer environment would be to add blinds to all rooms. “I do think our classrooms should actually have blinds in them. There [are not] any in pretty much all my classes,” said Gordon Haskell ‘18.  

However, some students took the drill too lightly. Ivan Acosta ’18 recalled his experience. “To put it bluntly, it was bad. Even though it was a drill, I took it seriously. A lot of the students walked in slowly, joking around and being really loud.” According to Mr. Magnera, one of the assistant principals, security officers thought the lockdown went smoothly and was proud of the responses.

People must take the drills seriously, as it is supposed to prepare students for what could possibly happen. “It could happen anywhere to anyone. It happened in Columbine, Florida and other places, who is to say it [will not] happen here?” added Acosta. Magnera also stated that “there are procedures in place” that will help in the case of an actual lockdown.

To help prevent a real lockdown from happening, Magnera encourages students to report anything that may seem suspicious, as minor as it may seem, on PSSTWorld, an anonymous reporting tool: psstworld.com.

Additionally, Magnera emphasized that in the event LQHS has a lockdown, it does not mean that there is an active shooter on campus. In fact, sometimes the local police department will ask schools to go on lockdown if they feel someone could be a possible threat to those on campus, even when they are not actually near the school.