Texas School Shooting: Security Increased On Area Campuses

HOUSTON, TX — School districts in the Houston area aren't taking any chances of another school shooting happening, with many announcing that more security would be in place at campuses through the end of the school year.

School districts in the Houston area made their announcements on district web pages on Friday, as investigators were still combing through the crime scene at Klein High School.

Some of those measures could include additional police officers on campus or outside the campuses, enhanced screening of students, teachers and visitors as well as asking students, teachers, and staff to report threats to school administrators.

Aldine ISD: We want to assure you that school safety is a constant concern for us and will remain vigilant in our efforts to provide the most secure campuses and facilities for our students and staff.

Aldine ISD has many layers of security at our schools including:

• well-trained campus based officers at middle and high school campuses
• patrol officers monitoring the district 24/7,
• single entry access with metal detector and ID scan at our entrances
• surveillance cameras at every campus
• metal detector checks for all students at intermediate – high school campuses
• campus safety drills conducted throughout the year

In addition, our police officers have participated in Active Shooter training and attend training throughout the year.
Aldine ISD seeks your support and assistance by stressing to your children the importance of following all campuses procedures and processes. We also remind parents to be compliant with campuses procedures and routines when visiting the school.
Please speak with your children about the criminal and harmful impact of sending or resending threatening messages via social media. This causes concern, disrupts a school day and will be criminally prosecuted.

Conroe ISD: One of the most important safety measures we as a District and community can take is being vigilant and reporting any suspicious behaviors or issues of potential concern. We encourage the reporting of suspected dangers to the appropriate authorities. Individuals may make anonymous reports to Conroe ISD’s KidChat hotline at 1-888-KidChat (543-2428). The safety of students and staff is our highest priority.

Clear Creek ISD:We will be increasing police visibility at each school through the remainder of the school year. These steps are not in response to a threat but rather a means of reassurance to our families and children. Counselors are available to help children who may be having a difficult time processing Friday's events in Santa Fe. In closing, talking with children about the school shooting can be difficult for even the most-trained adult, which is why the school district is offering the attached resources for parents and staff from the National Association of School Psychologists. Talking to Children About Violence.

Cy-Fair ISD: CFISD Superintendent released a message on the school's website that outlined the following changes: In an effort to end the year on a positive note, I have asked our chief of police, Eric Mendez, to increase police presence on every campus. I have also communicated to each principal the need for a strict enforcement of dress code. Through the end of the school year, we are asking that no students wear trench

coats or other heavy clothing that could potentially conceal weapons. While we want students to dress in clothing that is comfortable in their learning environment, we feel any extra safety measure that assists our officers and administrators should be utilized.

Dickinson ISD: As a precaution, DISD will have additional police officers in the district, and we will continue to work with law enforcement and school personnel to update our campus security plans.

Houston ISD: The HISD Police Department has more than 200 officers assigned to schools and facilities across the district, and they work diligently every day to keep HISD students and staff safe. Today, the department is operating on high alert, and all available officers are on patrol. Additionally, crisis counselors are available to students upon request. Our district has taken several steps this year to increase our safety procedures and prepare our staff and students in case of an emergency, including:

• Increasing the number of active emergency drills at HISD campuses and facilities
• Selecting, training, and activating a standing Emergency Response Team to respond to threats district wide
• Conducting realistic, hands-on officer training on how to react to an armed assailant
• Providing officers with additional safety equipment to be used in the event of an emergency situation.

District leaders also reinforced that student who make threats of school violence as "a joke" would be dealt with severely, and could face prosecution.

Katy ISD: Katy ISD has a robust emergency protocol. Regularly, the Katy ISD Police Department, along with officials from every campus address emergency situations and conduct the appropriate emergency preparedness drills. While classes and activities will proceed regularly, there will be an increased presence of Katy ISD police officers at our schools. Additional information concerning our district-wide safety

and security resources can be found here.

Klein ISD: Klein ISD employs a number of layered safety measures, including having police officers on campuses, providing intruderology training for students and staff members, having cameras on campuses, and vetting visitors prior to accessing campuses.

Spring ISD: We want to reassure our families that the safety and security of our students, employees and visitors is our highest priority. An operational plan is already in place for the remainder of the school year, and we will continue to be vigilant and on high alert. Community members can help by reporting any dangerous or suspicious activity to the Spring ISD Police Department at 281-891-6911.

Tomball ISD: Tomball ISD is reviewing campus security measures, including access points, surveillance and visitor policy. Security provided by the Tomball Police Department will be increased through the end of th4e school year. District leaders advise students, teachers and staff to report threats to school administrators.

Don's see your school district on the list. Check the web page and let us know what they're doing to keep your child safe.

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