Local School Districts React to Newtown Shooting
The deadly elementary school shooting rampage in Newtown, Connecticut took place miles away, but the circumstances involving an intruder on school grounds hit home locally as district officials planned to review their emergency response plans Monday.
Yorktown Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ralph Napolitano reacted in disbelief to the extent of the violence that occurred, especially to the 20 youngsters that were killed in their classrooms.
“I have found myself both distressed and distracted by the magnitude of the tragedy that has unfolded in Newtown, Connecticut. During my lifetime, I have watched in amazement the deterioration of responsible, respectful and civil behavior,” Napolitano said in a letter to parents and community members. “Although we talk about it more than ever, the application of these principles doesn’t seem to stick beyond the talking stage. Society has born and bred a new kind of ‘monster-coward’ whose evil is unprecedented. What kind of low have we reached when one human being can point and shoot a gun at a five-year-old child?”
Flags at Yorktown schools will fly at half-mast and a moment of silence was scheduled. The district’s Emergency Team and Building Emergency Teams were expected to meet to discuss procedures and practices.
“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that our schools are the safe havens we intend them to be,” Napolitano said. “We will remain steadfast in continuing our very important work: the physical and emotional well-being of the children, their character, social and moral development, their ability to do and say the right things as contributing members of their community and, of course, subject knowledge, skills, and understanding. A civil and safe world is counting on its parents and educators.”
“If we simply add more security measures without looking at the root causes of these social problems, we are spinning our wheels,” he added. “We need your support and understanding and attention to the big picture—violent video games, inappropriate use of the Internet and other technology, alcohol abuse, cyber-bullying and more, all warrant our time and attention.”
Other school superintendents reiterated their districts’ commitment to safety and security, such as Dr. Raymond Blanch of Somers, who said the District Crisis Team would reconvene on Monday to revisit security drills, emergency precautions and other safety measures.
“A tragedy like this resonates throughout schools and communities regardless of where it takes place,” Blanch stated. “Our plans apply the current best thinking on preparedness, and while no tragedy can ever be predicted, we are committed to taking the tragic events in Newtown into consideration as we evaluate our current processes.”
Ossining Superintendent of Schools Dr. Phyllis Glassman said supervision in district schools was enhanced immediately after news of the Newtown shootings broke on Friday.
“As always and next week in particular, our principals will once again review their School Emergency Plans with their School Emergency Response Teams to reinforce our vigilance in protecting our students and staff, as well as ensuring high levels of safety and security,” Glassman said. “Please know that the safety, security and well-being of our students, staff and families are our highest priorities.”
The Lakeland School District will make counselors, school psychologists, social workers and other staff members available to any students seeking support. In addition, school officials offered some suggestions to parents regarding the tragedy, including: limiting younger children’s exposure to the news; allowing students to express their feelings; maintaining normal routines; and watching for signs of distress, such as changes in behavior, anxiety or sleeping problems.
“Please keep the Newtown community in your thoughts and prayers. Their pain and suffering is unimaginable,” Napolitano said. “In solidarity with the educators and parents there, let us strive to do all that we can to make sure that these unthinkable events cannot ever occur again.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
