How It Feels To Be In a “Classroom Hold” At Your Child’s School
I didn’t like it at all
Twice a year, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at our school hosts a Book Fair, and I often volunteer to work at it. Why not? I like books, it’s fun to say “hi” to my kids in the middle of the day, and the PTO can always use more volunteers.
But the last time I volunteered at the sale, I was caught up in a school-wide “Classroom Hold.” And I didn’t like it at all.
Here’s what it feels like to be inside a suburban middle school during a school “Hold.”
Ding…Ding…Ding
I volunteered at this year’s book sale during the middle of the school day. A few fifth graders were still browsing the sale, and I was chatting with my fellow volunteer when I heard the “ding…ding…ding” of the automated bell system. While it was still ringing, I looked up at the clock, already feeling unnerved. I knew the school schedule well enough to think it wasn’t a regular classroom change period or lunch bell.
Next, a staff member’s voice came over the intercom and reported, “We are implementing a classroom hold. Teachers, please check your email for further details. Again, this is a school-wide classroom hold.”
