It's been ten years since the tragic Columbine High School shootings that took 13 lives, left dozens wounded and sent shock waves throughout the United States.

The anniversary comes strangely close to news of a lock down in Sioux Falls on Tuesday. According to the Argus Leader, a student reported another student carrying a firearm, and the district's safety plan kicked into gear. Law enforcement agents say a student' toy gun triggered the lock down, and that the student may face criminal charges for bringing it on school grounds.

It doesn't take a tragedy to be thankful that school districts make student and staff safety a priority. These efforts – which take careful planning and broad coordination – fall under the scope of administrators, who often don't get the appreciation they deserve for ensuring our schools are safe places to learn.

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