After watching the video from last night's Middletown Township Committee meeting and hearing that Middletown School Superintendent William George, yesterday had issued a statement in the wake of the horrible Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newton CT.
Seeing how I and a number of my friends, have kids still attending school here in Middletown, I was curious to see what this statement consisted of. I first found it on Middletown Patch then located it on the Middletown Board of Education's website, where it wasn't very obviously placed. According to Patch, it was issued around 12pm.
I'm wondering why a copy of this announcement wasn't sent home with the students?
Dear School Community,
In the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut this past Friday, I feel it is important to inform you of the steps taken by our school district to keep our students safe and mitigate theemotional impact of this horrific act.
Our central office administration has been in constant communication with our building level principals to review our safety plans, procedures and protocols.
Our safety plan was developed in consultation with the Middletown Township PoliceDepartment and the Office of Emergency Management based on recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security.
This past weekend, we communicated with our local police to discuss the details of our plan as they relate to this incident. It is important to note there will be increased police presence in our district to assist us in reviewing our procedures.
Administrative meetings are scheduled this week to continue this review.
The feedback we have received from parents, staff, students and the community will help us reflect and improve upon our current plan.
Our staff has been briefed on strategies to respond to students and will not initiate discussion regarding this event.
Students’ knowledge of the incident, as well as their emotional reactions will vary; therefore, our staff will take all concerns seriously and offer reassurance that the adultsin our schools care deeply about their safety and that their school is safe. We have counselors available at all school levels, trained and prepared to assist our students should they need further support.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire community of Newtown during this most difficulttime. Additional resources for families are available on our website.
Sincerely,
William O. George III, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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