Novato Police, North Bay Security Provide Support At Novato Schools

NOVATO, CA — Novato police provided extra patrols at Novato Unified School District schools Wednesday in the wake of a shooting in Uvalde, Texas that killed 19 elementary school students, a district spokesperson confirmed to Patch. North Bay Security Group, a private security contractor, also conducted safety check-ins at NUSD schools.

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office told Patch that deputies checked in with every school in the county Wednesday, and will provide extra patrols to schools through the week.

Novato Unified continues to train its staff and students with shelter-in-place and lockdown drills every year and are prepared for a wide range of possible situations, Superintendent Jan Derby told families in an email. Schools also update safety plans annually with the input of law enforcement partners, and conduct district-wide safety meetings four times a year.

Measure G bond funds have also supported new safety fencing around school, La Torre-Derby said.

Derby also provided the following resources to help parents explain Tuesday’s events to young children.

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers - National Association of School Psychologists
• How to Talk To Kids About School Shootings – Common Sense Media
• Responding to School Violence - Tips for Administrators - National Association of School Psychologists
• Anxiety Over School Shootings - Child Mind Institute
• Helping Students Cope With A Violent World - Edutopia

“My heart is heavy learning of the school shooting in Texas today,” Derby wrote. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families in Uvalde, Texas, and Robb Elementary School. It’s a tragedy no one should ever have to face.

“Please know that your child’s safety, and the safety of our staff, is our primary concern, and we will continue to work together to ensure they always find school to be a safe place filled with learning, laughter, and building positive relationships with others.”

SEE MORE:

• Texas School Shooting: What We Know About Uvalde Victims
• Texas School Shooting: Live Updates In Photos
• Texas Shooting Prompts CA Senate To Pass Bill Targeting Assault Guns
• Marin Sheriff Pledges 'Increased Presence' At All Schools
• 'Enough!' Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Gives Impassioned Plea On Shooting