Message from FUSD re: Newtown Tragedy

As you know, safety is our first priority at FUSD. One of the most critical components of school safety is the KIDS FIRST culture, as embodied by our committed and caring parents, staff and students who are the eyes and ears of the community and the very foundation of our safe environments. We thank you for your commitment, cooperation and support. Our safety protocols include a stringent check-in process for all visitors to campuses; exits and entrances are locked throughout the day so that visitors must come through the administration entrance. We conduct regular drills, including those for a building lockdown and all schools follow a comprehensive crisis plan, closely coordinated with local emergency personnel.

As our thoughts reach out in compassion and we draw together in our search for understanding, reassurance and wisdom, we wrap our own children close to us, guiding them through the emotional repercussions of this tragic event. Parents know best how to deal with their own children – each child, each family is different. If you would like suggestions to help you find the right path for your family, you might consider these tips offered by the National Association of School Psychologists: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/talkingviolence.pdf. (Mary Sherlach, the school psychologist who was killed at Sandy Hook was a member of this organization.)

At FUSD we try to insure that every child is well known by someone on each campus. Quite honestly, the best way to protect against situations like this is for us to know each other well and to communicate honestly. We promise to do our best in that effort. Together, our community will remain safe and get stronger.

Our thoughts and our hearts go out to Newtown and the families affected by sudden and tragic loss.