Paranoia and fear have become commonplace in High Schools across the nation.  With tragedies that occurred at Sandy Hook and Parkland, students from all over the U.S have been put on edge. Students across the nation and at Tahoma want answers, Students want to know how safe they are.  

Tahoma News sat down with Ms. Weihe, head of Tahoma High School security, seeking to find out how safe we really are at Tahoma.  When asked about deterrents to someone seeking to cause harm Weihe explained that “there are two main entrances which are open of course at the beginning and the end of the day.”  The other doors around campus only open from the inside. In order to get into the school, someone would need to go past the two main offices. Tahoma staff can see just about everything because she also stated that “we have a wonderful camera system, with approximately 250 views.”  If anyone enters or leaves, Tahoma Staff will see it. Another large deterrent is the fact that Tahoma has an active security guard on campus at all times, along with vigilant staff members ensuring doors to the outside aren’t propped. She also mentioned that “[Staff members] are monitoring social media sites for things that are going on.”  This means that no matter the time nor place, Tahoma staff is watching over the student body.

If need be, Tahoma also has Officer Bonnell on campus every day who says “he would immediately go to whatever is needed.”  It’s safe to assume she made sure to specify that he would go directly to the danger because of the controversy that happened in parkland when an officer stood outside the school while the shooting occurred.  She also mentioned “it would be minutes” until the next officer(s) arrived. Ms. Weihe believes “We are always actively trying to improve our safety and security but we are also, I think, we’re doing a great job on safety in security.”

Fear and paranoia may be a symptom of the 21st century, but the cure is diligence and strength.  “See Something, Say Something” has been said all around the school by teachers and staff. It’s no joke, Students know what’s happening at their schools.  No amount of cameras can replace the watchful eyes of Students. Students are very safe at Tahoma, even more so if they look out for one another.