The newest members of the DHS community, Panther Watch, are impossible to miss due to their neon green T-shirts.

The volunteers, who are trained by the SROs, help walk the halls because security staff members can’t be everywhere. They’ll send students back to class if they’re wandering, but mainly they’re providing a presence that can act as a deterrent. 

Several even stand at the doors to greet students.

“It’s a kind way to greet everyone in the morning,” sophomore Carson Colibert said.

Alan Turner, a grandfather of two students, joined Panther Watch because he believes there needs to be more parental involvement and wants to make sure the school is safe. 

“I feel that the generations need to mix together and help each other,” he said.  

Principal Gretchen Pontious said the goal is for the community members to build relationships. 

“During lunchtime they will walk around the halls and around in the commons,” she said. “But really just connecting with kids and volunteering their time for it.” 

Junior Lyric York is a fan.

“I love the idea that they’re taking their time to do this,” she said. 

And culinary teacher Natalie Kerr agreed.

“I think Panther Watch is a positive thing to Derby High School,” she said.

Junior Hagen Hamblin also likes the new concept. 

“They make the school feel more comfortable,” he said. 

However, some students aren’t too fond of this new adaptation. 

 “They are too stingy on people being in the halls,” junior Talen Corbin said. 

Sophomore Mathew Brown agreed.

“I think they’re doing too much. I was just trying to go to the bathroom and they asked for a pass,” he said. 

Sophomore Jack Gage and junior Evan Hollis pointed out that most students have no idea who they are, what they do or what their purpose is.

 “I’ve seen them around and I assume they are just monitoring the halls, but I’m not sure,” sophomore Scarlett Powell said. 

Some teachers have said Panther Watch has cut down on the number of students in the hall during classes.

But not all experiences have been positive.

“I went to the A-la-cart and the line was too long, so then I headed downstairs to my class and (one of the Panther Watch staff) shoved my arm and told me to get to class,” sophomore Brynn Sehreiber said.