Homecoming week is a week of high spirits at North High but safety is still important. Officer DeCory, known as Officer Kae by students, describes how the staff, North St. Paul officers, and Reserves keep the students and the building safe.

At North High, hype about Homecoming starts weeks before the actual game and dance and the staff make sure the students and teachers know what to do to stay safe. They talk about previous regular games and previous Homecoming games. They also make sure everyone knows their expectations; “We create a language with the students about expectations and safety.”

In a typical game, there is up to six officers/Reserves and twenty staff working to keep the school safe. During the Homecoming game, there’s around two to four officers and up to thirty staff. A typical week rates rowdiness as a 5, but what does Homecoming week rate as? “Easily an 8 or 9,” Officer Kae says.

Officer Kae says she’s both more lenient and more strict at the same time during the week. She knows that there’s school spirit but “there’s a line we don’t cross I expect people to be obnoxious, but when it destroys others’ ability to enjoy the week, then it’s a problem.”

When talked to by a staff, that is considered the warning. Officer Kae believes that by the time she has to step in, no more warnings need to be given. “If the principal warns you and the staff warns you and you don’t listen…you’ve had enough warnings.” However, the policy is that the school steps in first, so there will be a warning. All you have to do is listen.

Officer Kae has one last thought: “Homecoming is a privilege to be a part of. Acting like you’re representing the school is teaching others how to represent the school. Destruction is not respect.” So as Homecoming approaches, show your Polar Pride but be safe.