On a recent Monday, Alex’s high school conducted an active shooter drill. By the following day, I received concerning news about how he reacted during the simulation. A conversation with his school case manager revealed the challenges he faced and the adjustments they were already initiating. Tragically, on that Wednesday afternoon, 17 students lost their lives in a shooting at a high school in Florida.
Unlike the tornado drills that Alex handles well, the active shooter drill overwhelmed him. He remained seated because it was supposed to be PE time—an opportunity to run and play basketball, not to sit silently in a dimly lit room. He stayed put, but his distress manifested in loud screams. A vice principal entered the classroom, trying to soothe him, but by then, it was too late. His cries echoed through the room. Tears streamed down his face as he remained in his seat, unable to quiet himself.
This scenario reminded me of a particularly heart-wrenching scene from the final episode of M*A*S*H, “Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen.” In it, Hawkeye breaks down while recalling a traumatic experience. On a bus, he remembers a soldier’s frantic search for threats outside, while a woman near him smothers a clucking chicken to silence it. The dialogue is haunting:
Hawkeye: “There’s something wrong with it. It stopped making noise. It just–just stopped. Sh–She killed it! She killed it!”
Sidney: “She killed the chicken?”
Hawkeye: “Oh my God! Oh my God! I didn’t mean for her to kill it. I did not! I–I just wanted it to be quiet! It was–It was a baby! She–She smothered her own baby!”
Thinking of Alex in the context of this drill, I’m left grappling with the fear of what might happen if he cannot control his reactions when real danger looms. Yes, the school is working on strategies for him to better cope with future drills, such as modifying his schedule and providing a computer with headphones to help him stay focused and hidden. These adjustments are commendable, but I can’t help but wonder—what if they fail? What if he remains seated? What if he screams? What if it’s not just a drill?
As we approach another Monday, Alex is set to return to high school, and the uncertainty weighs heavily on my mind.
This topic is crucial, especially in light of discussions surrounding safety in schools and the emotional toll on children. For those interested in learning more about home insemination, particularly as a means to address genetic concerns, resources like this page can provide valuable insights. Additionally, for more information on home insemination kits, you can check out this post. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, I recommend visiting this blog.
In summary, it’s essential to recognize the emotional burdens faced by children during active shooter drills. While schools are making efforts to accommodate students like Alex, it is vital to consider the potential repercussions if these measures fall short.