Jupiter High’s new safety regulations

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Gianna Blefary

Geometry teacher David Anderson is following school procedure by wearing his identification badge at all times while on campus.

Recent shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High on Feb. 14 and at Palm Beach Central High on Aug. 17 have prompted new safety procedures not only at Jupiter High but also district wide, including students wearing identification badges at all times and schools having a single entry point.

After the shooting at the Palm Beach Central vs. Dwyer football game, high schools around Palm Beach County have not only changed the starting times for football games to 6 p.m. but also have prohibited any bags or wallets. As well, school officials are prohibiting the sale of tickets to the game after the third quarter.

At Jupiter High, students, parents and visitors must enter through the main gate on Military Trail, and students are required to show their badges before coming on campus. All visitors must also show a valid, picture ID and only enter through the main office.

“I think that the one-way entry and wearing identification badges is a way to prevent anyone or danger stepping foot on our campus. The identification badges were not just a great decision they are also impacting our school in better ways which will keep the students, school and staff safe at all times,” David Anderson, a geometry teacher, said.

To make sure students are wearing their badges, administrators are doing random dress-code checks throughout the school day, encouraging students to have a visible ID somewhere on their attire. If students do not have their badges, they will get a lunch detention.

Assistant Principal Kelly Foss explained the new rules and procedures to keep Jupiter High’s campus safe, and her role in learning and enforcing them.

“We have more adults at each entry…and there is someone covering the Daniel’s Way lot and the front entrance. We also hired someone who watches the back portion of the school, like the portables, so she can oversee people who are trying to jump over the fences or anyone who is sitting around during class,” Foss said.

Jupiter High will also have extra police officers present on campus during lunch and at after-school activities.

“Jupiter Police have been very supportive by being on campus for after-school games, making it a lot more secure. Instead of always having five cops, now we have nine,” Foss said.

With these new procedures in place, Foss hopes students and faculty will start to realize the importance of following the rules. Administration’s goal is to have a safe campus where learning comes first.

“I feel so much safer at school now that I know the school has made a huge impact on the safety. This will make all students feel more safe, and they won’t have to worry as much,” sophomore Skylar Kenna said.

However, some students have differing opinions on the new procedures.

“I do think IDs are important to show at the door, but I don’t see a point in wearing it on our bodies once we’ve shown them at the door if no one can get out or in. I don’t think that it should necessarily be mandatory to be worn,” senior Amanda Mikulski said.