If you went to school in the 20th century, your biggest safety concern was a throw to your head during gym dodgeball.
If you’re in school now, it’s being killed in your classroom.
Every student today has grown up with “active shooter” drills. They’re taken very seriously: Locking doors. Remaining quiet. Waiting for help to arrive.
Many students realize the reality of school shootings as part of their lives.
Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein want to do something about it.
The Staples High School juniors are founders and co-presidents of the local Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS) chapter.
They first learned of the non-profit from someone directly impacted by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High massacre in Florida.
After hearing about its mission (to empower students and staff to help create and maintain a culture of safety and vigilance) and initiatives (for example, passing Alyssa’s Law, which calls for installing silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement, dramatically reducing response time), the friends organized the first MOSS club in Connecticut.
At the beginning of this school year, they met with State Senator Ceci Maher. She introduced the bill, and has been very supportive.
Last month, Zander and Elijah testified before the state legislature. They spent hours preparing their testimony.
They expected to be in Hartford, But a snowstorm forced the hearing onto Zoom.
“We waited in a room nervously for what seemed like days,” Zander says.
The format was difficult. Several bills were introduced throughout the hearing. Many people spoke.
Finally they got their chance. Zander was the 56th speaker. Elijah was 81st. “In this generation, I have never fully felt safe at school,” Elijah said.
“In the end, we felt really proud of ourselves. We accomplished our mission, and learned a tremendous amount about the legislative process.”
But the legislative wheels grind slowly. So far, Connecticut has not yet joined the 7 states — New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah — that enacted Alyssa’s Law.
The bill has passed through the Committee for Children. Next up: a vote on the Senate floor. If it passes, it goes to the House, then to Governor Lamont for his signature.
Zander and Elijah have taken action in other ways too. They raised funds to install 7 “Stop the Bleed” kits at Staples, and ensured that all teachers are been trained to use them.
Now — because no level is immune to gun violence — their goal is to donate kits to Westport’s 7 middle and elementary schools. (Click here to help raise $5,000.)
Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer, with “stop the bleed” kits.
The club presidents have enjoyed strong encouragement from superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. Assistant principal Christine Cincotta helped the club earn official status. Brennan Morgan serves as faculty advisor.
MOSS secretary Mary Stevens, treasurer Dylan Shackleford, social media managers Julian Gravelle and Kate Coykendall,and PR managers Reece Dearborn and Gabe Hellmann have also been very active in the cause.
Elijah and Zander have been bolstered by friends’ support also. “They understand that the work we’re doing will benefit all of us, and the entire community,” Zander says.
And — if their efforts in Hartford are successful — the entire state too.
(Click below for the entire legislative hearing. Zander’s comments begin at 5:52:47. Elijah’s starts at 7:07:27. The testimony of Lori Alhadeff — the mother of Alyssa, for whom the bill is named — are at 6:06:03.)
(“06880” reports regularly on activities at Staples High. If you appreciate those stories — or any others on this hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
This is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
First, a huge amount of respect to Zander and Elijah — and to all the students involved — for stepping up and taking action. While it’s deeply sad that this kind of initiative is necessary, it’s also moving to see young people channel their energy into something so constructive and potentially life-saving.
Second, I think it’s important to recognize that school shootings, as horrifying as they are, are a symptom of something larger — a deep disconnection in our society. So many people are hurting, isolated, and unseen. Gun violence is one of the most tragic manifestations of that disconnection.
Finally, Dan, your point really hit home. When I was at Staples, my biggest concern was whether I could sneak off campus during a free period without getting caught. For today’s students, it’s a very different world — one that must take a tremendous toll on their mental health. It’s no wonder that so many teens and young adults I know struggle with anxiety and fear. Living with the constant awareness of potential violence is not a burden any student should have to carry.
Let’s hope this work leads not only to better safety measures, but also to deeper conversations about connection, community, and healing.