Accidental Code Red Activation Results In Major Response. Student Text: “We’re going to die. I love you.”
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A teacher accidentally activated a panic button at Don Estridge High Tech Middle School in Boca Raton Thursday, leading kids to send “last messages” home to parents who themselves panicked — fearing the worst.
Parents contacting BocaNewsNow.com shared text messages from their kids. Among the messages: “Oh my god, this is real.” “We’re going to die, I love you.” “We’re hiding! It’s a real code red!” “I’m shaking.” “Help me mom.”
The Palm Beach County School District confirmed the accidental activation and provided BocaNewsNow.com with the text of a voice alert alert sent to parents once the situation was under control. It was not immediately clear how long the “code red” was in effect. While parents say that their kids say it seemed like an eternity, school officials suggest it was just minutes.
Message sent by the school: “Good afternoon Don Estridge parents and guardians, this is Principal Josh Davidow. Out of an abundance of caution, the campus was placed on a very brief lockdown as a District staff member’s Centegix CrisisAlert badge was unintentionally activated. Law enforcement was able to give a very quick all-clear, and we intend to proceed with a regularly scheduled day. Thank you for your understanding and support of Don Estridge High Tech Middle. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the front office.”
Teachers in Palm Beach County Schools wear panic buttons. Activation immediately activates a “Code Red” alert system which locks down a school and leads to a police dispatch. Only law enforcement officers can give an “all clear.” While unquestionably scary, school officials have previously said the system ensures that no one in the school can be forced to override an emergency response — guaranteeing that police respond en masse. Accident activations, while rare, have occurred several times a year across the school district since the system was placed into service.
