Connecticut Shooting: Local School Districts Reassure Parents of Student Safety

Local school districts responded to the shooting that took the lives of 27 people, including numerous children, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Friday morning.

While Glendora Unified sent a message to parents urging them talk to their children about the shooting, Charter Oak Unified boosted campus security with campus supervision and the presence of Glendora and Covina police.

Glendora Superintendent Robert Voors, issued the following statement to parents Friday afternoon:

“Today we are learning of a terrible, senseless shooting that occurred this morning in Connecticut at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Our grief magnified when we think of the innocence of the lives lost and the courageous efforts of teachers and school leaders to protect them. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the entire school community.

Regardless of age, your children will likely hear about this tragedy. Talking about it with them in a calm and reassuring way is a good idea. Discussing their feelings (and yours) about such an incident will help them not to feel distressed. It is also a chance to remind them to be vigilant, such as reporting to school officials if they see someone who does not belong on campus, or hear of someone making threats.

Schools are one of the safest places kids can be, yet we know that a tragedy such as this – even if it happens a continent away - causes great concern for many people. Glendora families should know that all schools have a safety plan in place specific to each site; we have a member of the Glendora Police Department that works directly with our schools and students every day as a School Resource Officer; we have an all-call system in place to contact our families in the event of an emergency and we have a very close working relationship with the Glendora Police Department.

Thank you for your support and vigilance as we work to ensure the education and safety of our students.”

Charter Oak Superintendent Mike Hendricks told Patch that campuses were on “extra alert with campus supervision” on Friday. Glendora and Covina Police were also providing “visibility” around campuses, he said.

Foothill Christian School in Glendora also issued a statement Friday afternoon:

"The unthinkable has happened again. A gunman enters the classroom of an elementary school in Connecticut and opens fire, claiming the lives of 27, most of whom are children. It all happened this morning and the news is absolutely numbing. We can’t even begin to fathom the intensity of grief and severity of pain these families and children—the survivors—are knowing right now. This is a moment in time that will forever be embedded in their memories."