Paramus School Community Looks to Cope in Wake of Newtown Tragedy

The Paramus school community is taking all necessary measures to help its staff members, students, parents and all in the commuity cope in the wake of Friday's horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn.

Monday was an extremely difficult day for many Paramus school staff members as many have been deeply affected by the events, said Superintendent Ken Rota at Monday night's Board of Education meeting.

The district's counseling team have made themselves available in all the school's buildings to be there for staff members and students. Rota said the counselors will remain readily available to those who need the assistance.

Rota said the schools will send parents letters with a brief overview of the security measures and emergency drills the schools have already had in place. All Paramus school buildings are locked when school is in session and visitors must be buzzed in by staff members before they are allowed inside, Rota confirmed.

Rota credited the  district's security officers always provide a great sense of security regularly and even more so during this difficult time.

The schools also hope to bring parents in the community together later in the week for a presentation devoted to grief counseling, how to cope and how to talk to the children about it, said Rota.

In addition to everyone in the schools coming together to help each other through this time, Rota said the Paramus Police Depatment and the borough have also given their full support.

Rota said he's been in continous contact with Chief Christopher Brock as the police have increased their presence around the schools to help ease the minds of parents and staff. Rota said Mayor Richard LaBarbiera has also said the borough is 100 percent there for the schools.

"There is real great sense of community here in Paramus and that's what will get us through," said Rota.

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