Cherry Hill Super Talks Safety, Support After Michigan Shooting

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill Superintendent of Schools Joseph Meloche issued a message saying the district stands by a Michigan community following a school shooting in Oxford Township that happened on Tuesday.

“We are saddened by today’s disturbing news of the shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan,” Meloche said in a letter to the community. “In the wake of this tragic event, I’d like to reiterate the safety and security protocols in the Cherry Hill Public Schools, as well as the resources available to our students and families.

“Safety and security remain the primary focus of our responsibility, every day. We have every confidence in our Director of Security, Anthony Saporito, and our Campus Police: two officers in each of our high schools; one in each middle school; and two officers who share patrols at our 12 elementary schools, the Barclay Early Childhood Center, and the administrative building/alternative high school. We rely on the guidance of the Cherry Hill Police Department and Camden County Prosecutor’s office to lead our best practices and protocols for prevention and emergency response. Drills are done within all of our schools every month, with reports and analysis of those drills shared and discussed with law enforcement.”

Three people were killed and eight others were injured when a gunman opened fire with a handgun at the school on Tuesday. The shooter fired about 15-20 shots from a semiautomatic handgun and surrendered without firing at responding officers with a loaded 9 mm pistol, officials said. Police believe he acted alone, though a possible motive wasn't immediately clear. Read more here: Oxford High School Shooting: 3 Dead Among 11 Shot

“Students may have a mixture of strong emotions for which assistance is available,” Meloche said. “I encourage students to speak with their guidance counselors and/or student assistance counselors. Resources are also available on the District website, www.chclc.org on the homepage slide show. There, you will see a slide for Care Solace, which offers a link to 24/7/365 concierge support in any language. Additional supports are available through the Mental Health Resources slide on the home page. Families requiring printed information regarding these resources should contact their building principal.

“As a community, we must approach school safety together. Please pay attention to your children and get to know their friends, be aware of their interactions online, be aware of what they are doing, what they are sharing and with whom they are spending time. If you or your child have a concern, even the slightest of concerns – please speak up. Contact your school counselor, your school principal, or contact me directly. Contact the Cherry Hill Police Department if you have a concern that is criminal in nature – the men and women of the Cherry Hill Police Department are partners for us all.”

Anyone who has any questions can contact the district directly or their school’s principal.