With constant school threats across the country and right here at home, Fayette County’s Extracurricular Activities Committee decided to do something more to protect our children.
Starting October 4 all underage kids in Fayette County schools must be accompanied by an adult to school games.
“We determined that that would be the best plan of action,” said Midland Trail High School Principal Richard Petitt. “The flipside of this is that parents have the opportunity to come and enjoy those events together as a family.”
Eighth-graders (14) and younger fit the criteria of needing adult supervision at the games. Students will be identified at the gate as being underage. Their safety is a top priority in the event there is a security issue.
“Very similar if you go into a theme park you get a wristband (and) you’ll receive a wristband at the gate for any students that are under the age criteria,” Petitt said. “At that point, we will do our best to contact the appropriate adults they’re supposed to be with and reunite them.”
The principal says with the lens he looks through he thinks this is a good campaign.
“From a safety perspective, it’s unnerving that that’s the society we live in today,” said Petitt. “Having that extra adult supervision and someone responsible for the kids that are here is important.”
Having the protection of your parent or guardian at these games could make such a difference.
“I think it’s good because students can be safe because your parents are there and you’re with them and they know where you’re at,” said eighth-grader Lucas Young.
But the principal is also looking at this through the parent lens.
“The opportunity that exists of spending time together I think is equally as important,” Petitt said.
