With the beginning of the new school year, Associate Head of School for Student Services Arlene Empleo is emphasizing the importance of campus safety.
In a schoolwide assembly on August 25, Empleo announced that NDB would be implementing monthly safety drills. Working with the Belmont Police Department, especially School Resource Officer Antoine Abinader, Empleo has planned several of these drills to take place throughout the upcoming months.
“I know we had drills in previous years, but I think a lot has changed over time. My main goal is to just get some consistency and make sure that we’re having these drills regularly,” said Empleo. “There’s so many things going on around us, and we just want to make sure that we’re prepared. It’s important to us that everyone feels safe on campus.”
There are five drills that NDB will be practicing: shelter in place, drop cover and hold, evacuation, secure campus and lockdown barricade. Since the assembly on August 25, three of the five drills have been reviewed and conducted by the student body.
The remaining two drills: secure campus and lockdown barricade are currently being planned and organized by Empleo. However, because the lockdown barricade drill is known to cause high levels of anxiety in students, it is not advised to practice. So, instead, Empleo is organizing an assembly with sister classes to explain lockdowns and their purpose.
The rest of the drills will continue to occur during the rest of the school year, ensuring that all students and staffulty are aware of what to do in the case of an emergency.
“I actually have been really grateful for the drills. They’ve been needing to be regular for a while,” said senior Ella Mahon. “I honestly do get sort of freaked out about that stuff, so knowing what to do is helpful and makes me feel better when I do think about those worst-case scenarios.”
Empleo has also been sending out emails to the entire student body, reminding them that the rules at NDB are created to keep them safe.
In addition to this, security cameras have also been installed around campus to monitor all activity. The reason for this was not only to watch for suspicious behavior, but also to regulate the rules and make sure that students are accountable for their actions.
Part of Empleo’s goal for the school year is also to start talking with students about safety outside of school. She has been working with Abinader to provide students with resources and safety skills that can be used in social settings as well. This is especially important at an all-girls school, and Empleo plans to give information regarding female awareness and how to handle certain real life situations in the future.
“I want to give an overview of safety altogether, both in school and out,” said Empleo. “We can’t protect you all the time, so we want to make sure that you girls are prepared and are able to feel comfortable going out and feeling confident.”
