On a recent Monday, Alex’s high school conducted an active shooter drill. The following day, I learned from his case manager that Alex struggled significantly during the exercise. By Wednesday afternoon, the news broke about another tragic shooting at a high school in Florida, where 17 students lost their lives.
Unlike the tornado drills that Alex managed fairly well, the active shooter drill was a different story. When it was time to participate, he remained in his seat. He resisted because, in his mind, it was a moment meant for PE, not for huddling quietly in a shadowy corner. His desire to play basketball in the gym overshadowed everything else, and he could not contain his frustration.
His loud screams drew the attention of a vice principal who rushed in to offer comfort, but by then it was too late. Alex was overwhelmed. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he remained fixed in his chair, unable to comply with the drill’s requirements.
This scene brought to mind an episode from M*A*S*H that remains etched in my memory—the finale titled “Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen.” In a particularly haunting moment, the character Hawkeye recalls a traumatic experience on a bus where a woman silenced a clucking chicken, an act he interpreted as a desperate attempt to escape the chaos outside. The dialogue captures the horror and helplessness of that moment:
Hawkeye: “There’s something wrong with it. It stopped making noise. It just—just stopped. Sh—She killed it! She killed it!”
Sidney: “She killed the chicken?”
Hawkeye: “Oh my God! Oh my God! I didn’t mean for her to kill it. I did not! I— I just wanted it to be quiet! It was—It was a baby! She—She smothered her own baby!”
As I reflected on Alex’s situation, I couldn’t help but worry about his response during a real crisis. The school is making positive changes to support him for future drills. They are adjusting his schedule to minimize stress and providing him with a computer and headphones to help him cope. While these adjustments are commendable, I can’t shake the anxiety: what if he still struggles? What if he can’t remain silent? What if the next situation is not just a drill? These thoughts are too heavy to bear.
As Monday approaches, Alex will return to high school. I can only hope for the best.
For more insights on supporting children during stressful situations, consider exploring resources like this excellent guide on pregnancy or check out the home insemination kit for further information on related topics. If you’re interested in more articles on this subject, you can also visit this blog post.
In summary, the emotional toll of active shooter drills on students like Alex is profound. While schools are trying to accommodate their needs, we must remain vigilant about the psychological implications of such drills and strive to create a supportive environment for all students.