Manteca High Safety Amidst Gun Violence
Investigators at the scene of the Stockton mass shooting, as law enforcement teams depict the scene and evidence. (Photo contributed by CNN)
By ADAM KHAN
The Tower
MANTECA– At Manteca High School, a community lives with the uneasy reality of gun violence that’s become all too common across the nation and even in the 209 area. Yet, within the walls of the school, a sense of security is strong due to the individuals working tirelessly to protecting students and staff from potential harm.
For Officer Jessica Aguinaga, a School Resource Officer (SRO) responsible for patrolling six schools in the district, safety is a daily priority. "I drive around all six schools to maintain visibility and deter any criminal activity," she says, explaining her commitment to traffic control and regular patrols. Her goal is simple: to ensure that any potential threats are kept at bay through increased visibility.
While the SRO admits that the thought of a school shooting is always in the back of her mind, her response is clear "I come to work every day praying that nothing like that will happen, but we are always ready," she says. Even though the thought of the possibility of an active shooter situation, she remains confident in her ability to act swiftly, neutralizing the threat if the unthinkable were to occur.
Gun violence, according to the officer, has always been an issue in the area. She believes it’s not a recent uprising, but an ongoing challenge, with criminals consistently finding ways to obtain weapons. However, she remains hopeful that increased visibility, better training, and readiness can help.
“Our campus monitors do a fantastic job patrolling the grounds. We have the best teaching staff in the district, always watching out for our students.”
Inside Manteca High, the sense of security is echoed by the staff, especially James Burns. As both a teacher and a coach, Burns recognizes the importance of maintaining a safe environment for students. “Our campus monitors do a fantastic job patrolling the grounds” Burns said confidently “We have the best teaching staff in the district, always watching out for our students.”
Still, like many, he’s aware of the grim reality that school shootings are all too common across the country. “You hear about it too often, and it’s always a concern,” he admits. While he doesn’t live in fear of an attack at Manteca High, the increased gun violence in the region has given him reason to pause. “We’re seeing more gunplay among younger generations, and it’s troubling,” Burns adds.
The concern for his own child, a 17-year-old, has led him to take extra precautions in their personal life. “I’m cautious about where I let my son go,” he shares, acknowledging that the risks for young people have only grown in recent years.
Despite these concerns, Burns remains confident in the safety measures at Manteca High, trusting in the staff’s vigilance and the security protocols in place. “I don’t fear that a shooting will happen here,” he says, maintaining optimism that Manteca High remains a safe space for learning and growth.
For Kaylani, a student at Manteca High, her perspective on safety is shaped not only by the protections in place at school but also by personal experience. Her brother, she explains, was near a shooting at a Halloween party. “He saw the guy who got shot, and the shooter was standing over him,” she recalls with a somber tone. The incident has left an impact, underscoring the reality of gun violence in the area.
However, despite the rising gun violence in the 209 regions, Kaylani feels safe on campus. “I haven’t ever felt endangered or scared here,” she says. While school shootings are not a regular hearing to her, she has noticed an uprising in gun related incidents in the news. “It feels like it’s happening more now,” she reflects.
While school shootings and gun violence are concerns, the staff, students, and officers at Manteca High remain united in their commitment to ensuring the safety of all on campus. Through a combination of preparedness, vigilance, and open communication, they continue to foster a school environment where learning can thrive without fear.
As Burns puts it, “It’s about trust. We trust each other, and we trust the systems we have in place.” And for now, that trust remains the cornerstone of a community determined to protect its future one student at a time.
At East Union High (EU), law enforcement students are also engaging with the realities of gun violence in their community. EU law enforcement teacher Mrs. Snaer-Fay emphasizes the importance of community engagement in preventing violence. “We aim to build understanding between youth and law enforcement through programs like our law enforcement classes, where officers come in to talk about their roles and the legal system,” she explains. Recently, Lieutenant Taiariol from Stockton PD visited EU to discuss career opportunities in law enforcement, as well as important topics like officer use of force. The classroom experience included practical scenarios, helping students learn about the law, their rights, and the critical role of law enforcement.
The recent mass shooting in Stockton, which occurred at a toddler’s birthday party, has intensified the concern over gun violence in the 209 area. The tragedy, where multiple people were shot, has shaken the community and has grown the realization of the nature of gun violence. For Officer Aguinaga, this incident is a reminder of the reality they face daily. "It’s a tragic event that reminds us why we stay vigilant," she says. “We know that gun violence doesn’t have a specific place or time, and we have to be ready for anything.”
Despite the increasing threat of gun violence, the staff, students, and officers at Manteca High remain united in their commitment to ensuring the safety of everyone on campus. Through proactive measures, communication, and a shared dedication to security, they continue to provide a safe environment for learning.