Bedminster School Trying to Create Sense of Normalcy

Returning to school Monday after the that took the lives of 20 children and six adults, Bedminster Township School Superintendent Carolyn Koos said the day was about ensuring student safety and creating a sense of normalcy.

"Bedminster's main focus today following this unspeakable tragedy was to ensure student safety, and to ensure a normal routine and a strong support system was in place," she said Monday afternoon.

With the tragedy still fresh in people's minds, Koos said the administration met with counseling services and teachers to come up with a plan in case students or staff needed extra support.

"Teachers listened for and allowed appropriate conversations with older students, and watched for children that might be in need of further assistance," she said. "If younger children inquired about the crisis, teachers assured them that 'they are safe.'"

"Sometimes children do not react to a circumstance until a few days later," she added.

Koos said Bedminster has many forms of security it employs, including locking all exterior doors; reminding staff and students not to open doors for others; buzzing in visitors; holding lockdown drills; and meeting every year with local police and fire officials to review safety plans.

"Bedminster called the police services to enhance surveillance," she said. "We want to reassure the parents, staff and community that our safety procedures are in place at our school, and we will continue to maintain vigilance."

"During any crisis, whether it is away or at home, our administrative team and staff are prepared," she added.

Still, Koos said, it is difficult to return to school after this kind of tragedy.

"The dark days of grief and anguish are difficult," she said. "Important discussions need to take place about what we as a society can do to take action and try to prevent tragic events like this from occurring again. This senseless tragedy affected us as a national and global family."

It is important now, Koos said, to look at additional ways to keep children and staff safe. Methods include reassessing the safety plan for more prevention solutions, she said, and ensuring that there is a good supportive network.

"Many times we find that we have a new appreciation for what's precious and truly meaningful in our life," she said. "We find that we are indeed a national or global family."