Communication Issues During NYC High School Lockdown on Thursday

On Thursday, a lockdown was initiated at Brandeis High School on the Upper West Side of New York City due to a false report of a gun. The incident caused significant concern among parents and students, as the school administration failed to communicate effectively during the emergency. Schools Chancellor David Banks addressed the situation at a press conference, emphasizing the importance of timely communication with parents during such crises. He noted that while the principal acted appropriately by ordering a lockdown, the delay in notifying parents was unacceptable. Parents received the first email notification over an hour after the lockdown had ended, which left many feeling anxious and uninformed. One parent reported learning about the situation through conversations with other parents rather than direct communication from the school. This breakdown in communication raised serious concerns about the existing protocols and the effectiveness of the school's emergency response system. In contrast, P.S. 9, located across the street, promptly informed parents about the situation, demonstrating a more effective communication strategy. Banks praised the principal of P.S. 9 for their timely response, highlighting the need for all schools to follow suit in emergencies. The incident has sparked discussions about the proposed cellphone ban in schools, as the chancellor pointed out that parents should not have to rely on their children for information during emergencies. This situation underscores the critical need for improved communication systems within schools to ensure the safety and well-being of students and their families.