Extra security personnel, re-assigned lunch periods part of plan to increase safety at Sierra High School
Changes are underway at Sierra High School in Colorado Springs after a series of fights broke out Wednesday. Twenty-one students are still suspended and some could face expulsion after that incident.
At a public meeting Thursday night, District 2 Superintendent Andre Spencer said an additional district security guard and a CSPD school resource officer have been temporarily assigned to Sierra for the next several days.
“There’s a lot of officers patrolling the school and a lot in the lunch room. They’re being extra cautious about what students are doing and where we’re going,” said Gianna Wright, a student.
Spencer also asked parents to get further involved and monitor their children’s social media accounts and other online activities.
“We’re constantly monitoring what’s going on at each of our campuses and making adjustments, just like we did in this particular situation,” he said.
All of this stems from a fight that began in the Sierra High School cafeteria just before 11 a.m. on Wednesday. While staff tried to stop it, several more fights erupted inside and outside the school.
A smaller incident between two students also happened Thursday morning, those students were also suspended.
The principal addressed students about the fighting during Thursday’s lunch break, saying the behavior was unacceptable.
“They just based it on fighting. They said what we need to do to make sure we’re being a better community and show that our school really isn’t bad,” said Wright.
There are 19 school resource officers in Colorado Springs. Sierra High School has two officers. Some parents say that’s not enough and something needs to be done.
“It’s always been a school known for fighting and drama. I think people don’t address the issues, and maybe, something needs to start at home with discipline for the children,” said Debra Haskins, a parent.
In addition to the security, starting in January, lunch periods will be re-assigned to better control traffic flow throughout the school.
