District 833 Responds to Questions on School Safety, Security

The shootings in Newtown, Conn., prompted South Washington County Schools to review its safety and security procedures, the district announced last week.

There was an additional police presence at many schools in Woodbury on Monday.

On Tuesday, Superintendent Keith Jacobus sent out the following note:

Dear Families,

We continue to join school districts across the nation struggling with the best way to support our students, staff and families, as we work through the tragedy that continues to unfold in Connecticut. While we work to continue the efforts of educating students, this situation reminds us of the need to ensure a safe environment to best serve our students. 

Our goal on Monday was to create normalcy for our students. There were a few questions and concerns that we had already begun addressing. This message is intended to respond to the questions we know are being asked, recognizing while we do so that people have various requests of their schools, and of the district.  

Much of what you’ll see below has to do with a need to staff more people at doorways, or provide upgrades to our existing video surveillance, or retrofit a number of elementary schools to have a more secure front entry. Know that we will begin to assess these needs and move forward to take care of what can be immediately resolved.

I want to reassure you that we have worked and will continue to work to provide a safe and inviting environment for our students. The magnitude of the sorrow surrounding Friday's tragedy and the fear of a similar event taking place elsewhere can make the conversations difficult. We will continue to respond to questions or inquiries and to update the public as needed. 

My best wishes to your families for a peaceful, healthy and safe holiday.

Updated: Sandy Hook Shooting Prompts Increased Police Presence at Woodbury Schools

Newtown School Shooting: Resources for Parents via Principal of Woodbury's Bailey Elementary

Connecticut School Shooting: District 833 to Review Safety and Security Practices

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