NIXA, Mo. - It is a parent's worst nightmare: a crisis happening when their child is at school.
The Nixa School District wants to teach parents what to do and more importantly, not do in a crisis.
The talk on safety, security and crisis plans is an opportunity for parents to get plugged in to what's happening in their child's school.
Things have changed at Nixa's schools.
"We have to wear our id's all the time to make sure we are actually students. They are really strict about that," said Nixa High School student, Eddie Foster.
Things have changed for parents too.
"Last thing I want to hear is somebody coming into the school that is a gun free zone and doing what they did in Connecticut," said parent Shaye Stahler.
These days school safety is on every mother's mind.
"Evil people will do evil things. So I think having an armed resource officer or even a police officer of another kind. A retired military person would be ok," she said.
Shaye Stahler has a third grader in Nixa.
On Tuesday, she is invited to join other parents at a special meeting to share their ideas and learn how the district is protecting their kids.
"We are going to share with them some of the safety features they can see and what they can expect. But, also reassure them how our schools are safe," said Zac Rantz, director of communication.
The district says knowing what not to do can be the most important thing in any crisis.
"The number one parent reaction is to rush to the school and grab their children. In a crisis situation that could be the worst thing they could do," said Rantz.
The district hopes this school security meeting will teach parents what their kids have already learned.
"My first couple of years, there was one door that was never locked because people walked back and forth. Now they have a lock system that goes on and off when the bell rings," said Foster.
Tuesday's meeting is part of a monthly meet and greet with Superintendent Kleinsmith. The chief school resource manager, along with the director of communication, plan to lead the discussion.
The meeting is set for 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Faught Administration Center on Main Street.
