After several students were accused of breaking into the vending machines in Cafeteria A to get extra Chex Mix (and assigned Saturday detentions), the BOE decided to evaluate WHS security and implement new security measures.
These new security features are the first at any high school across the country. Said senior Claire Rothfelder, “I am proud to go to a school that is so adamant about keeping us safe—even if it means that we have restrictions.”
Students are already becoming more aware of the new security. According to sophomore Brian Lawrence, when he tried to open his friend’s locker and the palm print reader didn’t recognize his handprint, “An alarm went off and [he] was bound by ropes.”
Said Lawrence: “It’s cool that they want to make WHS safer. I would just like a warning next time before I get tied down in the middle of the hallway.”
According to Hamburger, she and the BOE are aware of some minor issues caused by these new features. “We are working to fix these minor setbacks and look forward to future benefits of this new security,” she said.
She added, “And yes, the psychic readings required to enter the bathrooms may be overkill, but the Westfield school district is not willing to take any risks when it comes to the safety of our students.”