Tragically, school shootings have become an all too familiar occurrence. With the addition of David Caplan as our new Safety and Security Coordinator, we have already begun to think about how we can enhance the safety and security of our four campuses and ensure we are as prepared as possible in the unlikely event that we have an incident at SSA. Tomorrow, when students are not in class, our senior administrative team will be meeting with Caplan and Director of Facilities Paul Francioni to discuss both short- and long-term improvements to our existing security measures. Additional meetings will follow during the remainder of this year.

While the chances of being involved in a school shooting are quite small, it is nevertheless a reality that students are forced to think about. This is a sad commentary on the experience of being a kid these days. With that said, I am nevertheless heartened by the fact that last week's terrible shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida has prompted students to speak out and put pressure on lawmakers to find ways to address the problem. As Stoneman Douglas students have spearheaded the effort with their impassioned pleas, students around the country have joined them. I am encouraged that local high school students, including some of our own students, have decided to get involved with an issue that is so important to them. Rather than feel helpless in a situation that in some way seems beyond their control, students are making sure that their voices are being heard. 

At Shady Side, we teach our students to think critically about problems and ask incisive questions in order to formulate well-informed, evidence-based solutions. I'm sure they feel it's not too much to ask our lawmakers to do the same.