The elementary school shooting in Connecticut last Friday is something nobody will ever be able to understand. If you are anything like me I spent the following days thinking not only about the child I have at home, but the over 200 students that walk through our halls each and every school day. The nightmare of such an evil and tragic event taking place within any district’s school walls leaves me utterly sick to my stomach.
As a school district we feel it is important to share some information regarding school safety.
Please know that our school district has conducted security drills and protocols are in place to prepare for a situation such as what happened last Friday. This training will continue to be ongoing as the repetition is important for our students and staff. However it is important to realize that no amount of planning or practice can always prevent something like this from happening. It is in those times that teachers such as those in Connecticut go to great lengths to protect their students. Those teachers are heroes for understanding the children’s safety were their number one priority. This is a message our own staff at Wyndmere understands very clearly. Given the situation I trust our staff whole heartedly to do what they must to protect our students.
A couple teachers have asked me how they should answer questions from students on Monday. We plan to talk about what we have in place in our school to protect them, but also to review our procedures. This will be not done in a way to alarm the students, but instead to assure them.
We as a school district do not intend to have a large discussion with our students. With the level of media and technology available in this world, it is safe to assume your children are aware of what has happened. It is our belief that is a conversation best done between parents and their children. If you are looking for some tips on how to go about this, please refer to some of the following websites. Counselors are also available in our school if you feel you would like your child to talk to someone at the school as well.
Healthy Children.Org
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Talking-to-Children-About-Disasters.aspx
Save the Children
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.8479773/k.2264/How_to_Help_Children_Cope_with_a_Crisis.htm
My final point concerns firearms. A tragedy such as this seems to spark a vicious debate about gun control. I understand this is not the forum nor is it my place to convey my opinions. However, I do want to stress the importance of firearm safety. If you do own firearms, please take extreme care in ensuring your gun is securely stored.
In closing, the safety of our students and staff will continue to be a top priority. Policies will always be assessed and changes made if needed. If you ever have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
As a school district we feel it is important to share some information regarding school safety.
Please know that our school district has conducted security drills and protocols are in place to prepare for a situation such as what happened last Friday. This training will continue to be ongoing as the repetition is important for our students and staff. However it is important to realize that no amount of planning or practice can always prevent something like this from happening. It is in those times that teachers such as those in Connecticut go to great lengths to protect their students. Those teachers are heroes for understanding the children’s safety were their number one priority. This is a message our own staff at Wyndmere understands very clearly. Given the situation I trust our staff whole heartedly to do what they must to protect our students.
A couple teachers have asked me how they should answer questions from students on Monday. We plan to talk about what we have in place in our school to protect them, but also to review our procedures. This will be not done in a way to alarm the students, but instead to assure them.
We as a school district do not intend to have a large discussion with our students. With the level of media and technology available in this world, it is safe to assume your children are aware of what has happened. It is our belief that is a conversation best done between parents and their children. If you are looking for some tips on how to go about this, please refer to some of the following websites. Counselors are also available in our school if you feel you would like your child to talk to someone at the school as well.
Healthy Children.Org
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Talking-to-Children-About-Disasters.aspx
Save the Children
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.8479773/k.2264/How_to_Help_Children_Cope_with_a_Crisis.htm
My final point concerns firearms. A tragedy such as this seems to spark a vicious debate about gun control. I understand this is not the forum nor is it my place to convey my opinions. However, I do want to stress the importance of firearm safety. If you do own firearms, please take extreme care in ensuring your gun is securely stored.
In closing, the safety of our students and staff will continue to be a top priority. Policies will always be assessed and changes made if needed. If you ever have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.