Active shooter drills cause students a lot of anxiety.

Lock down drills are required by law to be practiced in all schools within the United States. In Virginia, the drills must be  practiced during the first 20 days of the school year.

Most students don’t think that the lockdown drills that we practice will actually keep us safe during a real threat.

“During a practice drill, sitting in a corner and staying quiet is the better alternative; but for a real shooting, the better thing to do would be to exit the building. I think the school board should make a backup plan,” Anardia Harris, sophomore, said.

“They should make a backup plan for a lockdown because the one we practice may not work during a real school shooting,” Katelynn Stowe, sophomore, said.

“I think there should be a communication system between the staff to be able to locate the shooter; that way some classrooms will be able to evacuate the school,” Harlie Brooks, sophomore, said.

“Instead of just locking the doors and covering the windows, we should block the doors with the desks,” Shara Clark, sophomore, said. “For the schools to have strong, secure and sturdy windows and doors would make the students feel much safer in the classrooms.”

“It wouldn’t be the smartest idea to be running around the hallways while there is an active shooter, so staying in the classroom is best,” Alayna Petty, sophomore, said.