Commissioner's Memo on Safety Protocol and Emergency Response Plan Information

To:Superintendents, Charter School Leaders, and Collaborative Directors
From:Mitchell Chester, Ed.D.,Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education
Date:December 17, 2012
Thank you all for your efforts over the weekend in reaching out to your local school communities to provide information and reassurance in the wake of last Friday's horrific events in Newtown, CT. Many of you are also taking the time to review your districts' safety protocols and emergency response plans with your local public safety officials, and to update them as needed. I encourage you to do so, as well as to ensure that faculty and students know the procedures in the event of an emergency. Here are several links to US Department of Education resources on school safety and security: I have seen several articles suggesting tips for talking with children about the Connecticut shootings. The following is a link to an article from Saturday's New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/15/health/tips-for-talking-to-children-about-the-elementary-school-mass-shooting.html?ref=us Several of you have asked about grant funding availability for school building security enhancements. We will be exploring this with public safety and other state agencies and will keep you informed. Associate Commissioner John Bynoe (781.338.6300) leads our efforts on safe and supportive school environments. Please feel free to contact him for assistance. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and educators in Newtown.



Last Updated: December 17, 2012



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