Connecticut Massacre Prompts Local School Safety Reviews

12/17/2012 (Updated 11:06:17 PM)

In response to the tragedy in Connecticut, area school districts are looking at their own safety procedures.
Kate Thornton has that report:

"I am confident that we have done everything in our power to maximize the security for every single child in this district," said Union-Endicott Superintendent Suzanne McLeod.
A STRONG MESSAGE FROM UNION-ENDICOTT SUPERINTENDENT SUZANNE McLEOD ON THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ALL SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT HAVE IN PLACE THREE DAYS AFTER THE DEATH OF 26 CHILDREN AND ADULTS AT SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY.  McLEAOD SAYS STRONG SECURITY AND YEARLY LOCK-DOWN DRILLS PREPARE STUDENTS FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
AT UNION-ENDICOTT, ALL THE DOORS ARE LOCKED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.  ANYONE WHO NEEDS TO ENTER THE BUILDING MUST STATE THE REASON BEFORE BEING BUZZED IN BY A SCHOOL MONITOR.

PARENTS AND STUDENTS CAN ALSO EXPECT AN INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE AT AREA SCHOOLS IN THE UPCOMING WEEKS.
"We are simply doing this to increase visibility of law enforcement.  There;'s so much fear and anxiety everybody can agree from a situation like this, so hopefully that will help some of that," said Captain Fred Ashkar of the Broome County Sheriff's Office.

"We don't want to put them on alert and make them panic but we also realize that if a 6-year old getting off the school bus sees a state trooper of sheriff office car 100 feet from where they go into the  building.we think that will hopefully feel a little  better and a little more secure an that's the goal right now," said Maine-Endwell Superintendent Jason Van Fossen.

BUT WHAT SCHOOL OFFICIALS WANT MOST OF ALL IS TO PUT STUDENTS AND STAFF'S MINDS AT EASE SO THEY CAN FOCUS ON THE TASK AT HAND-- A GOOD EDUCATION.
"The holidays are coming up, in light of this tragedy and everything else, the gift we are giving the children this week is the gift of routine," said McLeod.
IN THE TOWN OF UNION, KT, FFN.


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