Morning routines for students and faculty members have changed dramatically to include a handful of law enforcement officers, a large metal detector, a drug dog and a number of uncertain students.

“No,  [I do not feel safe]. Having cops in our school creates a negative environment,” said sophomore Holland Hogden.

“I feel as if they are not needed. Under certain circumstances, I do agree that police enforcement is needed, but just to patrol the hallways?”

Some students believe having the policemen at our school makes everyone more on edge, rather than at ease. On the contrary, mathematics teacher Dawn Peterson has a slightly different view of things.

“I’m glad people are being careful to ensure the safety of our students,” Peterson said. “The tighter security guarantees our safety.”

She also has a personal opinion about the person who made the threat.

“Whoever’s making the threat, I kind of feel angry that they’re being selfish, whether they think it is funny, or whatever.  They don’t fully understand the impact on the other students academically and emotionally,” said Peterson.

Assistant Principal Mark Weddig  made it very clear that the searches and lockdowns are important to the student body.

“Based on the information we get, we decide how severe the threat is,” said Weddig.

Weddig explains that the searches stop when the school feels there is no longer a severe threat. The lockdowns stop when the school feels there isn’t even a mild threat anymore.

Weddig said a threat was found on Sunday, and according to the continuing searches and lockdowns, the school still thinks the threat is still severe.

English teacher Karl Wallin agrees with Weddig–the searching is necessary.

“I think it had to be done,” said Wallin. “They had to do it because of the potential. The threat is real.”

Social Studies teacher Kris Wrobel agrees with Wallin and Weddig.

“It’s worth it if it makes people feel safer, even though I think it is a hassle for everybody,” said Wrobel.

Going through the metal detector, having personal belongings searched through and then sniffed by a trained dog, and then finally being sent to a designated area with the rest of the school isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but Weddig has one overall goal.

“The overall goal is to make sure the school is safe for every student,” said Weddig. “So each student can come to Black River Falls High School without being afraid.”