This issue of The Viking Views focuses on the recent soft lockdowns, gun violence, legislation and healing. Around the world, acts of violence and threats have become an unfortunately regular occurrence. With hundreds of incidents happening and reported on the news, we, The Viking Views, want to take a moment to thank those that have risked their lives to keep us safe and protected in our schools and our community. Our School Resource Officers [SROs] have stepped up in ensuring said safety. First responders, quite literally, run toward danger.
On Oct. 9, a shooting occurred at the Versailles Apartments off of Applegrove. This was in close proximity to Hoover High School, which was put into a soft lockdown for safety. The protectors of our community stepped into immediate action surrounding the establishment to defuse the situation.
On Oct. 15, the high school received a concerning phone call that caused yet another soft lockdown, within only one week of the last. Our SROs stepped into immediate action taking precautions to ensure the safety of our students, staff and administration.
Beyond keeping our schools safe, our SROs help to create a positive learning environment. Every morning, they greet students as they enter the schools, they talk with students in the halls and get to know each of us, they attend football games and remind us that safety is built on connection and care.
Over several years, the SROs in our school have built a trust with students which is incredibly important, especially now. With many students coming to school everyday concerned of the dangers that the outside world brings, it’s important to have that relationship with the people responsible for keeping our schools safe.
As students, it’s important to remember all our SROs do for us at Hoover. So, the next time you see Officer Ataya at the high school, Officer Taylor at the middle school, Officer Hippich at the intermediate and primary schools, Officer Lowe at the intermediate school or Officer Kakoules at the primary school, make sure to show your appreciation for the work and dedication they put towards ensuring a safe and positive environment. SROs are also a part of running safety drills in each of the schools whether it be active shooter training or a fire drill, they are there helping and making sure things run smoothly in the case of an emergency. They ensure to do drills in each of the schools so they are prepared for every scenario. Among our troop of SROs is Kona, the wonderful service dog. Officer Taylor visits each of the schools and makes sure to bring Kona. Kona brings smiles, comfort and joy to those he visits.
Our SROs represent what it means to protect with both strength and compassion. Their commitment to safety, connection, and care continues to make Hoover a better place for all of us. We thank you.
