The debate of gun control has been a hot topic in the media for years. Since the tragic event at Sandy Hook Elementary School in CT, the topic of gun control has been in the forefront every night in the media. But, we are forgetting the most important issue and that is the safety of our children while they are in school. Our representatives have been arguing this issue since the tragedy at Columbine High School 13 years ago. I sent this letter to our governor, senators, Congress representatives, Vice President Biden and President Obama. Representative Chellie Pingree contacted me and would like to sit down with me to discuss these steps. We need to get this message out to the public and we need your help from the media. I appreciate you taking the time and reading this proposal.
December 21, 2012
Dear President Obama,
The recent tragedy on December 14 at the Sandy Hook Elementary School has not only shocked the country, but has also opened our eyes to the seriousness of many intense political, legal, and social topics that our communities must become more involved in. However, if we want to prevent atrocities like this from happening, we must begin with local changes. It is for the concern and safety of us all, especially our children, who are the embodiment of our nation’s future. As a society, if we don’t start to implement changes, and become more serious about our children’s protection, these issues will only get worse. To begin, as the founder and CEO of Keeping Kids Safe, I have put together some thoughts for bolstering protection within our schools. I am saddened and appalled over the loss of the children and educators last week. Therefore, Keeping Kids Safe wants to recommend steps to aid in the pursuit of something that is imperative and meaningful to myself, the safety of our children!
I have begun by asking children and family-friends at the high school and middle age level if they would feel safer in their schools with my recommended steps in place. Every one of these children have been in complete agreement and have thoroughly liked these ideas. Furthermore, following this horrific event, I have started thinking of ways that Keeping Kids Safe could step outside of our regular safety programs, in order to try and implement these programs within our community. This will need the help of both grass-roots programs and legislature, as well as the help from parents and the communities in which we live.
We can all work to uphold the laws and programs so that we can protect our children, in order to keep them safe within our community and schools every single day. Here are some steps that Keeping Kids Safe proposes:
1.) All Schools should have a police officer signed specifically to that school, in hopes that this officer would oversee school functions; teach classes on self-awareness issues and every day issues like drug and alcohol abuse awareness, etc.
2.) All Schools should have a rapid response team made up of teachers and or faculty members with the police officer acting as a team leader. Furthermore, they should be trained in tactics of self-defense and protection of others.
3.) All schools should train at least 2 to 3 times every 3 to 4 months. Repetition will create instinct. Instinct will create survival!!
4.) The Rapid Response Team should be trained in the use of non-lethal weapons like bean-bag guns, pepper-spray guns, as well as other inhibitory weapons.
5.) The School should install bullet proof doors, both entering the school, and for all the classrooms.
6.) All class room doors should be locked from the inside, and only opened for class exchange. Therefore, if a child needs to use the bathroom, they may leave, but must use a buzzer to get back into the classroom.
7.) There should be a badge system for faculty to enter the school.
8.) All building entrances and exits should be set up for the freedom to leave. However for reentry everyone must use the main lobby entrance by either buzzer or ID badge and go through metal detectors.
9.) The front lobby should be made of bullet proof glass and doors, since this is the only way to enter the school. When the children are changing classes NO one is allowed to enter the building, until the classroom doors are shut and locked.
10.) All first floor windows should be bullet proof.
11.) There should be cameras in the hallways, classrooms, around the circumference of the School, including parking lots.
12.) There should always be someone watching these monitors, as well as recording while school is in session. This will aid in diminishing the use of drugs, graffiti, bullying, and school break-ins.
Furthermore, I have also spoken with numerous parents and local State Representatives, asking them what they think of these procedures. Every one of them agree with these procedures, and look forward to helping fund this project, in order to keep our schools safe.
President Obama, please give myself, and our local representative Mark Dion, a chance to sit down with you and your staff, in order to join together as one team endeavoring to keep our children safe.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Michael O’Neal
Founder and CEO
207-671-0807
Keeping Kids safe Inc.
Non-profit 501(c) 3 Agency
www.keepingkidssafe.us