For the first time in four years, the groundhog failed to see his shadow, predicting an early spring. With spring comes the idea of Spring Break.

School resource officers are possibly in the best position to talk about safety as students travel on vacation. Officer Randy Ecksuggested students create best situations for themselves.

“If you’re afraid you’re going to be around any danger, it wouldn’t hurt to have something with you. Your phone has certain devices on it that can make noises or security apps or alerts on your phone. Letting your friends know where you are and allowing them to have your location on your phone is good that way. If you happen to get separated from a group, they can look at your location as a safety thing. Just having a group of people you trust knowing where you are is important. I have three daughters, and we all have Life 360 so I know where they’re at and they know where I’m at.”
Students are always susceptible to unexpected danger. They need to be prepared.

“I think the best thing to do is stay in a group. Don’t let yourself go anywhere by yourself. Because it is Spring Break, people look at it as a big party. Some people think you can do whatever you want. There’s a lot of people that can get in a lot of trouble because they kind of let their guard down. Just stay in a group of people,” Officer Eck said.

From family trips to senior road trips to nights out with friends, faculty value students and want the best for them.
“I never think a student can hear enough about how they are valued, how their decisions have consequences, and how to use their common sense to stay safe,” Assistant Principal Craig Bruns said.

Student safety has been an issue.

“Learning from the past, I think the thing that sticks out the most is being safe in the car while traveling. If you’re road tripping, especially with friends, it’s important that you’re driving responsibly. Switch drivers when you’re tired. Make sure you’re completely focused as you have other people’s lives in your hands,” Mrs. Senac said.

Students need to trust their gut.

“If you think something feels off, trust that. Don’t assume everyone out there has your best interest at heart. Don’t worry about being embarrassed; just leave if your gut tells you to do that,” Mrs. Denise Green, journalism teacher, said.