Twenty-six. That is the number of people who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. As this incident was so tragic and unexpected, I’m surprised it hasn’t made more of an impact on our school.

There have been some changes, such as the new security post in the front of the parking lot, and the policy of locking all the school doors after 7:20. However, if a dangerous person wanted to get into the school, it wouldn’t be that hard. There are still three doors that remain unlocked during the day and the “security checkpoint,” which is basically a narrowed entryway into the parking lot with a sign that says “Security Checkpoint,” doesn’t do much to stop people from getting in or out of the school.

In fact, most students are still able to walk out of school and roam the parking lot without interference from teachers.

Sandy Hook was in a normal town just like Great Falls or McLean, which is what made the incident so scary, yet we are still living under a false sense of security. Everyone seems to have acknowledged that the incident was sad, but they don’t believe something like this could happen to them.

Some people are even annoyed with the new security measures. Just because we live in a relatively affluent, crime-free area doesn’t mean there aren’t any insane people who could lose it at any moment and go on a shooting spree.

These shootings are unexpected which is why it is important to anticipate them and be ready just in case. I hope we won’t have to experience a shooting ourselves in order to realize the importance of security.

I’m not saying that there should be metal detectors at the entrance of the school, or police guarding the doors and parking lot, but after what happened there should be some major changes to our security. I definitely think it is good that Langley is making some efforts to increase security; and while it may slightly decrease the freedom of the students, it also limits the likelihood of a potential threat.