THE
CIRCUIT
ALWAYS ON CBHSCIRCUIT.COM
Follow us online @cbhscircuit
the appreciation issue
Cypress Bay High School • 18600 Vista Park Blvd., Weston, Florida 33332 • Vol 19, Issue 4 • Feb. 2020
GRATITUDE
FOR GUARDS BY AGAVNI MEHRABI
Week after week, the Bay’s staff of 15 security monitors secure the campus continuously from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to ensure the safety of students and staff. Whether it be checking IDs at the main gates or assisting substitute teachers by unlocking classroom doors, Hall Monitor Adela Faxas said this mission is carried out in countless ways. “We are here to help the school community out no matter what because we care,” Faxas said. “After all, comfort and security are essential for students seeking to successfully receive a quality education.” Senior Michelle Duque said she has seen this central purpose applied extensively throughout her years as a student, including the securing of the hallways in between classes. Duque said this, combined with ID checks, makes it possible to verify everyone is where they should be on campus. “The security monitors are always stationed in several locations to confront you when you aren’t where you should be,” Duque said. “That allows students like
job description. “Since my role is detecting issues, there are countless times when I find myself emotionally comforting students and redirecting them to the proper counselors,” Faxas said. “I have also helped teachers out with things as small as supervising their classes during bathroom breaks.” Similar to Faxas, Campus Monitor Maria Smith said the job is more than simply implementing district policies. She said her job is important to her because of the greater sentimental value it holds. “I see the staff and students as my family,” Smith said. “I take care of them the way I want somebody to take care of my grandchildren and nephews, so I put my best foot forward every day.” Sophomore Bryce Lin said he finds the security force especially necessary due to the sheer size of the school. “Securing a campus like this one is definitely not the same thing as securing a one-classroom school, since there should be a ratio between school size and security members,” Lin said. “I’m just grateful we have a determined, caring crew willing to put their life on the line for us all the time.” After being on the security team for four years, Faxas said her favorite part is being able to help others. She said her job is similar to previous ones as a social worker and a teacher. “The best part of this job is the way I am able to be relevant and constantly in touch with the next generation,” Faxas said. “At the end of the week, I have actually helped people and can go home feeling genuinely fulfilled.”
m e to have soundness of mind in our everyday lives.” Faxas said her daily work day as a security monitor consists of numerous other responsibilities such as directing paramedics to sick students, overseeing code red drills, helping teachers find students and unlocking rooms. Besides this, she said her duties often transcend her basic
12
25
FEATURES SPORTS Students express appreciation for teacher impact.
Athletes attribute professional and personal influences.
Similar to Faxas, Smith said collaboration between security and students is a vital method of evading possible threats ahead of time. As the adviser of the Student Crime Watch club, she said she has found another way to promote stronger cooperation. “It is very important for students and security to talk to each other often, since students can be the eyes and ears we don’t have,” Smith said. “There are so many problems that can be prevented with the help of proper communication.” On the same note, Lin said he finds a strong student-security relationship crucial for detecting danger. He said a better understanding of daily student behavior through socialization would provide a comparison for when abnormal behavior emerges. “If students and security get to know each other on a deeper more personal level, it will be easier to see when individuals are acting differently from the status quo,” Lin said. “Since a student’s mental health is very important, it is good to have this as a way to detect harmful developments like suicidal behavior.” Duque said she believes security monitors should be outwardly appreciated for the service they provide to the community. She said approaches to this could include smiling, nodding, making eye contact and even saying “thank you”, while entering through the gates in the morning. “Some may take them for granted, but it is easier said than done to be a security monitor,” Duque said. “They wouldn’t be taking on the challenge if they didn’t care, so even the smallest acts of gratitude in return can make a difference.” Smith said she has received plenty of appreciation over the 12 years she has worked at
A&E
the Bay. She said a group of students approached her post one morning, while she was greeting students, to bring her flowers, reminding her of why she does her job. “I thought they were looking for someone else, but they said they were looking for me,” Smith said. “They wanted to thank me for all I do and it made me cry.” Faxas said there have been many changes made to security procedures after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Among these are the locking of doors, incorporation of extra hall pass rules, enforcement of wearing IDs and introduction of a single point of entry. “An incident like that changes everybody,” Faxas said. “It makes me a little sad to think how things are now compared to when I was in school, but we adjust to different situations in order to survive.” Duque said she thinks fondly from time to time of school life before the Stoneman Douglas shooting. She said a main difference is the impact the single point entry has on lunchtime habits. “It felt roomier having the bus loop area to eat our lunch in and SGA used to distribute blanket-filled baskets for picnics in the grass,” Duque said. Smith said students should know they can always come to the Bay’s security team for help. She said assistance can come in situations such as bullying, drugs, or accidents. “Students should know we are only here to help them, so it is okay to talk to us,” Smith said. “So many scenarios can be prevented if they are only aware and put safety first, so we can go home another day.”
28 39
Artists highlight interest in creativity and painting.
OPINION Smaller class size promotes higher learning.