Coaldale Elementary School cracks down on security

Jennie Emery Elementary School in Coaldale is cracking down on security.

“We are asking that parents bring (kids) in through the front door, rather than kids just coming in themselves,” said Principal Sherrie Nickel.

The school sent a notice to parents earlier this week stating: “Effective Tuesday April 21st doors will stay locked in the building until the first bell. Students will be expected to stay outside until that time. The exception will be if the weather is inclement, they will be allowed in when the buses arrive at 8:20.”

The letter does state that students can enter the school if accompanied by an adult.  According to Nickel, the changes were initiated by parents.

“We had some parent concerns over safety and security of the kids and the building, so as a response to that we brainstormed ideas,” said Nickel.

Those concerns led the school to lock all doors during the day, except for the front entrance, while also getting parents to sign in at the office when dropping off their child.  Parents’ opinions are split on the new methods.

“I remember being a kid and not being allowed to go in until the buses are there as well,” said one parent. “So for me it’s not a big deal, they got the necessities that they need.”

“It’s a little difficult because, I mean, if you have to go to work at a certain time, then you have to leave your kids out here and just hope that they’re going to stay around, or that nobody is going to come by and get them,” said another parent.

Many of Jennie Emery’s new rules are similar to other elementary schools, except for the parent needing to accompany their child inside.  Nickel believes that’s a critical part to overall safety.

“The children here are young, they’re little,” added Nickel.  “And we just want to know that they’re in a big person’s care until they come to us.”