By MAKAYLA ZELINKI
Pacheco High School Senior
A new school year brings new classes, friends and teachers. At Pacheco High School, we have one new addition: metal detectors. The metal detectors are a new addition to the school that divides students. From the first day of school, both complaints and compliments have been given to these new safety measures.
On the bright side, these new metal detectors prevent contraband from being brought in and represent how determined the school is to ensure student and faculty safety. Many students feel that the metal detectors reassure them that their learning environment is safe for focusing on their studies. This reassurance is essential for students, faculty, and families, especially with current events looming over us all.
One senior, Mason Ferreira, brought a particular perspective that summarized the students’ perspective as a whole. He told me that the metal detectors “are a necessity in keeping students safe” and “give parents and students the peace of mind knowing that they are safe at school.”
Generally, the students’ opinions about metal detectors are enthusiastic or at least contented. However, a few students wonder if the metal detectors make a difference.
One junior I spoke to compared the metal detectors to the random TSA checks at an airport. Someone randomly gets chosen to have their bags checked for no other reason than being the unlucky person who got picked..
This theory, however, is debunked by the students in the band program who are stopped routinely for their instruments. These poor students are subject to holding up the line for the rest just because of their interests.
Students also consider the metal detectors a general inconvenience when coming and going. I can say from firsthand experience that morning foot traffic is even slower with the addition of metal detectors. I dread the day that I run just late enough to get caught in the lines of people waiting to be allowed to attend to their daily obligations. Being forced to wallow every time a metal detector beeps means we’re even more delayed. Even though students’ doubts and inconveniences with the metal detectors are annoying, many view it as a tradeoff to ensure their safety. We can all hope that this system works for our school in curbing violence.
