In the fall of 2000, I called into Dudley Elementary to let them know I was coming to visit a day and have lunch with my second-grade granddaughter—we set a time of 10 a.m.

On that morning, I arrived at the west fence of the playground. They were having recess, and right away two female teachers approached me and politely asked my name and why I was standing outside the fence.

When I told them who I was, they said they were expecting me and I was to go in and get a visitors pass and pin it on my shirt. I asked them if this was standard procedure to ask questions and they said, “Yes.”

I am much bigger than either of them, so I asked a question, “What would you do if I knocked you down and starting to beat you badly?” They replied, “We will fight you anyway we can to protect these kids and keep them safe.”

Sharon and I, like too many grandparents, know the hurt and pain of losing a 5-year-old grandson. In 1996, our grandson died as a result of injuries he got from being struck by a car while riding his bike.

I feel very good about the safety of our students at Dudley Elementary and Gothenburg High School.