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http://educatemc.net//site/Default.aspx?PageID=7921

An Open Letter to Families About the Tragedy in Connecticut

Dear MCAS Families:

Our heartfelt condolences go out to all those touched by the tragic elementary school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, last Friday. Many innocent children and courageous educators lost their lives in a senseless act that has torn a community and this nation apart.

We take our responsibility for the safety and security of our students very seriously. All Michigan City Area Schools have comprehensive crisis plans, and Crisis Teams meet regularly at the school and district level. We conduct safety drills to ensure that all students and staff are familiar with emergency procedures and safe locations. We also work very closely with local law enforcement officials to bolster our security measures. I have asked all school principals to review these procedures carefully again with their building Crisis Teams and staffs, in light of the recent tragedy in Connecticut.

We appreciate the support of our parents and community in reporting any safety concerns that you observe or become aware of. All school entrances are locked at all times, and your patience is needed as we screen every visitor. Please remember that no one should be let in as you are exiting or entering our buildings unless approved by office staff.

We are deeply saddened by this terrible event and know that your children may be impacted emotionally as well. The American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists offer several resources and tips on their websites. Listed below are a few of their recommendations for your consideration.

1. Talk with your child regarding their worries or concerns. This is a first step to help them feel safe and cope with recent events.

2. Watch for signs of stress, fear, or anxiety.

3. Reassure your child that their school and home are safe.

4. Limit the amount of time spent watching news of the tragedy, as constant exposure may heighten their anxiety.

5. Keep explanations developmentally appropriate. Elementary students need brief, simple information that is balanced with reassurances. Allow middle and high school students the opportunity to express opinions and suggestions. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe schools.

6. Review safety procedures and safeguards at home.

I wish you and your family a safe holiday season. Please keep the community of Newtown in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins

Superintendent

Resources you may find helpful:

http://educatemc.net/cms/lib5/IN01001792/C...ingviolence.pdf

National Association of School Psychologists: http://www.nasponline.org/

American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/school-shooting.aspx

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Something I did not know...

http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/indiana/ind-o...-in-schools-dbl

Indiana is only state to require certain safety certification in schools
1,100 safety specialists work in 300 districts

Updated: Monday, 17 Dec 2012, 6:12 PM EST
Published : Monday, 17 Dec 2012, 5:26 PM EST

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Tamie Niedens is a Fort Wayne mom of two who felt increased anxiety Monday sending her children off to school for the first time since the news broke of a horrific rampage at a Connecticut elementary school.

“Every day when I kiss them goodbye, I am sending them off in someone else’s care so it makes me worry,” Niedens said.

Her children attend Hickory Center Elementary in the Northwest Allen County Schools district which she calls a blessing.

“I know that all of [the Hickory Center staff] would protect all of our children the same way I would,” she said.

It’s the unknown that worries Niedens and for what Indiana educators do their best to prepare.

Indiana is the only state to require that every school corporation has a certified safety specialist on staff, trained through an Indiana Department of Education academy.

The program covers the fundamentals of creating an emergency response plan and developing an all-hazards safety plan for various crises. It also reviews safety laws and regulations according to the program’s director, David Woodward said.

“From a national perspective, whenever we have someone come to Indiana and do an audit of a school, or work with a school… They always say ‘you are miles ahead of where we are in our state’ wherever that may be,” Woodward said.

The extensive training program was launched in 1999. There are more than 1,100 certified safety specialists in almost 300 school corporations across Indiana.

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I was in Jonesboro, Arkansas on Friday when the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings occurred. It brought back a lot of sad memories to the people there of the Westside Middle School massacre back in March of 1998.