Beverly Schools Review Safety Protocols Following Sandy Hook Shooting

Superintendet Marie Galinski and Beverly Polce have joined to review safety protocols in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting which left 27, including 20 young students, dead. 

The following is a letter from Superintendent Marie Galinski on the public school website: 

Dear Parents,

In response to this terrible tragedy, I met with Sgt. Russo and Officer Hathon of the Beverly Police Department to debrief and seek their consultation and review of our safety protocols. They believe that we are doing all that we can to keep students and staff safe provided that we continue our School Safety and Critical Incident Trainings at each of our schools; continue to practice annual lock down and evacuation drills; and maintain all of our security protocols. In January, 2013 the Beverly Police Department will schedule training for all paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff, substitutes and lunch room monitors.

We will continue to insure that all exterior doors are closed and locked at all times.No one should be “buzzed-in” without face recognition.  In addition, staff will be reminded to report “anything out of the ordinary” including strangers in the building and significant behavioral and/or mood changes in students. If a security risk occurs in a classroom with no quick and safe access to the principal, staff should feel free to dial 9-1-1. We are in the process of exploring the ability to access 9-1-1 speed dial district wide.

I suspect many of you are worried about your child’s sense of well being. We are strictly limiting exposure to this incident for elementary children. We are maintaining our routines to provide predictability and the security that our students need. I have included some additional resources below to help you keep an emotional balance with your children. 

Thank you again for all of your suggestions and input regarding our safety procedures.Please know that we are taking all suggestions under advisement. 

Sincerely,

Marie E. Galinski, Ed. D.

Superintendent of Schools

For more Sandy Hook information, check out:

• Talking to Your Kids About the Sandy Hook Tragedy
• U.S. Postal Services Sets Up Newtown PO Box
• Newtown Vigil Planned for Dane Street Beach Monday Night
• Is Now the Time to Talk Gun Control?