After the September 27, 2024 lockdown at East and Central Campus, LTHS students are left to wonder how our school as a whole can improve on the basis of lockdown procedures, security and the overall safety of Lockport students at both campuses. As of late, Lockport faculty have been working hard to make sure all precautionary measures are in check for the safety and well-being of our students and staff here at Lockport. 

“As a leader, I am forever grateful to the swift actions of our students and staff,” East Campus principal Dr. Johnson states, “Any time we have to go into lockdown we recognize how stressful it is for everyone involved. We are so very thankful to the Lockport Police Department for assisting in securing our school. They were impressed by how quickly the entire school went into lockdown.” Dr. Johnson notes that East and Central Campus both. had many successes throughout the lockdown. Students locked down immediately and correctly followed all law enforcement directions. In addition to that incredibly difficult feat, after the lockdown and during the hold in place, many staff members were proactive in getting ready to return to the school day. Finally, our school community was completely supportive in continuing the rest of the activities for homecoming week, as the attendance of the annual staff cookout, the Homecoming Game and the dance was spectacular.

Although East and Central Campus performed remarkably in the lockdown, there are still things to learn from the experience. Firstly, Dr. Johnson notes that the technology in each campus needs review, so staff can determine that everything is working in order. She also mentions that reunification procedures need to be refined in order to smoothly transition back into classes. “We have not reunified on campus in the past,” Dr. Johnson states, “So we will review what we did and make the plan better.” Lastly, both campuses will focus on reviewing and updating the multitude of safety procedures in place now and in the future in order to keep up with changing needs.

Lockport as a school can always learn from the experiences of the staff and students to make the school a better place. It’s a very good sign that administrators are being proactive in learning and improving from the events on September 27, 2024. As Lockport moves forward into the school year, it’s important to keep up with the latest safety news and precautions for ultimate security and protection.