School districts across the region are responding to the shooting tragedy in a Connecticut Elementary school with assurances that emergency preparations are in place and up to date.
In response to the tragic news, several Levittown school officials have shared their thoughts on the tragedy and made some changes to school security.
Island Trees Superintendent Charles Murphy issued the following statement Monday:
"In response to the tragedy in
Newtown, the Island
Trees School District made some
immediate school security changes.
First, we added an extra security
guard to our elementary campus. In the past, our two elementary
schools shared one campus guard. Now we’ll have a guard for each
building on the elementary campus.
In addition, we have directed the
principals to lock all of our perimeter doors, including main entrances
during school hours. The main entrance doors will
be monitored and opened manually by school staff members.
This is just a start and over the next few months we’ll be assessing all of security procedures and policies to ensure a
safe learning environment for Island Trees students.
We will continue to practice our lock out and lock down security drills, so that staff and students know what to do in case
of an emergency.
Lastly, our hearts and prayers go out to the children, staff and families in
Newton."
Levittown School Board President Michael Pappas also commented on the tragedy Monday, as Patch awaits an official response from the school:
"Unfortunately, in my opinion, the only thing that could have prevented
the shooting in the CT incident once he shot the door glass out, would
have been an armed guard.
The brave principal
and psychologist tried to intervene and were assassinated. Hiring trained, armed off duty or retired police officers is not an
option as only on-duty law enforcement may carry in NY on school
property.
There is a glaring hole in the protection of students in NYS and any
other area where that is the law (though there is no 100% guaranteed
safety system)."
What precautions do you think should be taken following the tragedy in CT? Tell us in the comments below.
School Officials Respond to Newtown Massacre
Island Trees adds extra security at elementary schools; Levittown school board president reacts to tragedy.
Two women react at the scene of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Credit: Michael Dinan
Comments + Leave a Comment
Loading comments ...
Boards
All Boards »
Susan Benjamin May 19, 2013 at 10:13 am
Just an update to date we have raised $750 dollars once we reach the first $1000 Shelly will have…Read More her first surgery to correct her right leg then 8 - 12 weeks later hopefully the funds will be available to correct her left leg
Susan Benjamin May 9, 2013 at 07:19 am
Sorry Steve here is the link again thanks for the interest and support…Read More http://www.gofundme.com/2rdk58
Steven Nicastro (Editor) May 7, 2013 at 12:33 pm
Thanks so much for sharing, Susan. Do you have another link for AtGoFundMe.com? It doesn't seem to…Read More be functional. Thanks again!
Steve