'Words Fall Short': Commack Interim Superintendent On Texas Shooting

COMMACK, NY — David Flatley, interim superintendent of the Commack School District, issued a statement in response to Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two adults were killed.

"Dear Commack Family, Words fall short," Flatley wrote. "Today, we join with families around the nation in support of the Robb Elementary School community as they come to grips with unimaginable pain, anger, and loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and sincere condolences are with the students and their families and with the teachers; administrators; first responders; friends; and all the good people of Uvalde. We also remember in our prayers the nurses, trauma surgeons, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals and law enforcement officers all pressed into service under challenging, heartbreaking circumstances.

"A schoolhouse is a sanctuary," Flatley continued. "All members of the Commack family understand the responsibility we share to keep school safe. Our administrators, teachers, and staff recognize that safety is our highest priority. Of course, we depend upon our students and their families to join us as partners in this work. Our professional counseling staff is always ready to assist those who may need assistance, particularly in response to the recent spate of violence we have witnessed locally and around our nation."

Both Long Island police departments said they will be boosting their patrols of all schools in response to the Uvalde shooting.

"We react to these situations differently," Flatley said. "Let's commit to helping each other respond to the events in Texas in supportive and developmentally appropriate ways. The youngest members of our community may need reassurance that they are safe and that some sadness is okay. A few extra hugs may be in order this week! Older students may need assistance in processing their thoughts and feelings. Adults may need an extra dose of compassion and patience in the next few days and weeks.

"Please know that our security officers and our administrative team recognize that we cannot take a day off from safety. Safety protocols and procedures are a constant. Surveillance and communication systems are tested and improved regularly. However, our best security measure is the trust we place in each other. Let's recommit to sharing the information that will keep us all safe and to providing assistance to any member of our Commack family who may need an extra measure of care."