CALVERT COUNTY, Md. – Most Maryland schools have not been in session a month, yet last week over 42 school threats of violence were investigated in the span of 36 hours. Harford County already experienced a shooting inside Joppatowne High School and Anne Arundel County Police issued an alert revealing disturbing unfounded threats.
Protocols are in place in the event of an emergency and most schools have SRO’s (School Resource Officers). Drills consist of children and staff bracing the wall, lights being turned off in the classroom and requiring children to stay extremely quiet. The drill can be frightening for some children however, with mass shootings allegedly on the rise, it is mandated to conduct the drills periodically.
The current events have caused Hugh Garrity to question the protection of special needs children. Garrity’s niece is a Special Education teacher in St. Mary’s County, and he is concerned for her safety as well as for the children who cannot help themselves. Hugh advised, per his niece, ‘there are no special protocols designed to assist Special Education’.
Garrity presented questions to the Maryland Department of Education. He asked what the protocol was for children who were unable to stay quiet or could become combative because of fear. He also asked what would happen to children with mobility problems. Garrity claims the ratio in a typical special education classroom in St. Mary’s County was one teacher, and one aide to 9-10 children. He asked if other adults were assigned to help in the event of an emergency. A representative from the Maryland Department of Education Safety Department advised Garrity, “Teachers were to follow protocol.” Without any specifics, this left Garrity uneasy.
Baynet reached out to Calvert County Superintendent Dr. Andrae’ Townsel via email, as well as Anne Arundel’s School Security Supervisor Doyle Batten. Neither have responded yet. The Baynet also reached out to St. Mary’s Public Schools Superintendent. We are still waiting for a response.
We were able to speak to a former assistant principal for Calvert County. She advised special education teachers were informed in advance of the drills. This would give the teachers the opportunity to minimize any anxiety or fear. The teachers could practice ahead of time as well as explain the drills to their students. Some students are provided with fidget toys for comfort and increased adult support is provided.
She further explained some children are provided with headsets to minimize the noise and a place with reduced distractions was designated to reduce anxiety and fear. A principal in Anne Arundel County stated classrooms with special needs children were equipped with a back room they could use in case of an emergency.
The Baynet will update further when we hear from school officials.
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