The aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy is prompting a closer look a school security across the country.
That's the case in Davenport, where schools are trying to balance being both secure and inviting.
The Davenport district is fighting misconceptions that tragedies can't happen here. That's why it's innovating to protect children. And for families, it just makes sense.
"It's nice to be able to go in and help," said Davenport parent Brenda Jordahl-Buckles. "But I also understand the need for tighter security."
That's why Rep. Dave Loebsack, (D) Iowa, hosted a panel on Tuesday at Wood Intermediate School.
Parents like Jordahl-Buckles know it's hard to have freedom without protection.
"I've always felt very safe with this district," she said. "I know that anything can happen at any time."
The Sandy Hook tragedy is a painful wake-up call for schools. It also shows the need for better mental health services.
In this era of budget cuts and fiscal restraint, it's a tough sell. But there could be a greater price to pay down the road.
"It costs society a lot of money, not just the individual who struggles with mental illness, but also the society that has to pay for the hospitalizations," said Rep. Loebsack.
School districts are trying to be more pro-active than reactive when it comes to mental health.
"We can certainly take them to the hospital for emergencies that happen right now," said Stephanie Eckhardt, a counselor at Davenport West High School. "However, to get in to see a professional could take a week to three months."
It turns out that everybody needs to be involved with school safety. Procedures and plans continue to evolve. While there's everything from new locks to cameras, there's no quick fix.
For public schools, it's a balance between education and safety. That means always watching but always listening as well.
"It's kind of a fine line to know that we're there to protect the kids, but we're also there to serve the community," said Julie Newman, a counselor at Williams Intermediate School.
For parents, Davenport is trying to find a happy medium. It's simply a sign of the times.
"I know and trust them that they're always looking after my kids," Jordahl-Buckles said.
"We will keep their safety as a number one concern," Eckhardt concluded.
A concern that's now a part of life in Davenport and all over the country.