WEST FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Kids are back in school, and with that comes all sorts of complicated feelings but one thing school officials want to reassure students is that they don’t want them to feel scared.
“That’s our very first thing. Our number one rule is safety. We want to ensure that kids get back to their parents the way they dropped them off to us,” said Manix Zapeda, principal for Brooks Harbor Elementary School.
The school’s faculty will practice for those serious situations at the beginning of every school year.
“They have a process for entering the building so once somebody comes into the building, they come in through the front door, and they check in,” said Dora Doll, school resource officer for West Fargo Police.
At the same time, faculty need to communicate the message a certain way.
“We practice shelter-in-place drills and fire drills to ensure the safety of everybody. But we try not to scare them; we try to make sure that they know that they have people here that are looking out for them, that are prepared,” said Zapeda.
Teachers, faculty, and dogs are doing all they can to make sure students feel safe.
“They’ve been great. They’ve been a huge bridge to reach kids that might be in distress or having a bad day,” said Roll.
At Brooks Harbor Elementary School, you can find Labby, a K-9, every once in a while walking the halls in case any kid needs some comfort.
“Labby is saying good morning to you! Why don’t you wave?” said Zapeda, referencing his encouragement for students to greet the K-9 when they arrive at school.
Labby will be entering her 3rd school year, continuing to give students an outlet whenever they might feel stressed.
“It makes kids feel at ease when they see her,” said Zapeda.
As comfort dogs are making kids feel safe, faculty have been on high alert following the school threat in Fargo Wednesday morning, August 27.
“I’m always aware. I work with my schools and all my principals are fantastic in sharing that all the buildings are secure,” said Roll.
“We’re ready to take the steps that are necessary to keep our children safe,” said Zapeda.
Concerning the reported threat, Fargo police say other law enforcement agencies were notified, as well as Fargo Public Schools and the West Acres Shopping Center.
Police add that they haven’t found any legitimacy regarding the threat.
