How Safe Is Perry Hall?

By: Lydia A.

            Have you ever watched the news to see another school violence crime and wonder if it could happen to Perry Hall?  Most people watch the stories on the news about school violence, but never think twice about it in Perry Hall.  With the rapidly increasing crime rate in the country, school violence is increasing as well.  School violence can range from mild violence such as arguments and fights to more serious violence such as stabbings and shootings. However, opinions on school violence differ between students, school administrators, teachers, and parents.

            The more serious violence seems surreal to most students and schools, but to some it is something they have to worry about.  Two school shootings that most people know about are the famous Virginia Tech and Columbine High shootings.  On April 16, 2007, the most deadly school shooting occurred on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia.  The attacks led to 32 deaths and left many people injured ^[1].  Another well known school massacre was the Columbine High School shootings that occurred on April 20, 1999.  The massacre led to 15 deaths and multiple injuries ^[2].  Both school shootings were led by students who were “social outcasts” and didn’t really fit in with everyone else. 

            Sophomore Jenelle M. has her own opinion on school violence.  When asked if she hears about school violence in Perry Hall she says, “Not very often, but more often then I would like.”  The school violence in Perry Hall doesn’t usually get very serious, but it is serious enough to have consequences.  Her advice on preventing yourself from becoming involved in school violence is, “Be aware of other students, and tell someone when you feel threatened or see school violence.”  A lot of students, including Jenelle M., agree that school violence in Perry Hall is not a big problem yet, but is getting there. 

            Parents also have their own opinion on Perry Hall.  For many parents, the news and media has opened their eyes to what potentially could happen in Perry Hall, even though it is highly unlikely.  One parent says “I don’t really hear about violence in Perry Hall, however I heard about the recent bomb threat that the school had.”  Many parents feel the same way and are not really concerned about the school violence in Perry Hall. 

            Many teachers have different opinions on school violence as well.  Most teachers feel that Perry Hall is a safe school compared to many other schools.  A lot of teachers think that the school violence is minimal and able to be handled with the right authority.  School violence in Perry Hall is handled with consequences according to the severity of the violence.

            Even with the increasing crime rate of the United Sates, school violence can be easily avoided.  To avoid it, don’t get involved.  Also, if you see school violence, tell someone if it is not already being handled.  Even though Perry Hall is a safe school and the violence is minimal, people should still look out for danger and signs of violence to prevent it. 

1. http://www.virginiatechmassacre.com/what-happened-virginia-tech-massacre.html

2. http://history1900s.about.com/od/famouscrimesscandals/a/columbine.htm

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