We are all deeply saddened by the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. As a parent and as an educator, my heart is heavy as I think of the innocent lives stolen and the valiant efforts of school staff and public safety professionals to protect the students entrusted to their care. Please join me in keeping the students and families of the Sandy Hook community in your thoughts as they begin their healing process.
Even as we all mourn for the victims in Connecticut, we know that you will also be
thinking about the safety and security of our own students and schools.
I want to reassure you that student safety remains our highest priority. Our prevention and preparation procedures, regular training and drills, and our strong partnership with local law enforcement and with you, our families and community, are designed to help us identify and respond to any potential safety risks.
I want to reassure you that student safety remains our highest priority. Our prevention and preparation procedures, regular training and drills, and our strong partnership with local law enforcement and with you, our families and community, are designed to help us identify and respond to any potential safety risks.
- Hanford Police Officers serve as School Resource Officers at our schools, maintaining a presence at our campuses, investigating school related incidents, and being available to students and staff as needed.
- Administrative staff are vigilant about supervising students during the school day and all staff and students are trained and drill regularly about how to respond to all kinds of emergency situations, including situations involving an active shooter.
- HJUHSD has a strict expectation that all visitors on campus check in at the front office. Visitor badges are one way to identify who should, and shouldn’t, be on campus.
- A Campus Safety Tip Line has been set up for each school. Students, parents, staff and community members are encouraged to report any safety concerns to school officials or law enforcement. Please note that these are not intended to be an emergency contact number, but rather a tip-reporting resource:
- HWHS: 559.584.4347 / Text: 559.549.4947
- HHS: 559.583.7877 / Text: 559.492.8477
- SPHS: 559.583.5915 / Text: 559.460.7747
- EFJ: 559.582.1515 / Text: 585-1515
There is no easy way to come to terms with a tragedy like this. Our teachers, counselors and school professionals are available to support the emotional needs of our students and families this week. The American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists recommend that parents encourage children to talk about their thoughts and feelings and to reassure them of their own safety. It is also recommended to limit children's exposure to media coverage of such tragedies. You can visit the sites above for more help and resources.
Sadly, there are no absolute safe havens in our world. But our dedicated and caring teachers and staff members strive every day to provide a safe environment where all students can learn and grow. We will continue to protect and nurture our students as we all move forward from this horrific tragedy.
Thank you
for being a part of our school community and
for your support of our students, staff and each other.
William L. Fishbough
Superintendent
Our flags will fly at half-staff today and tomorrow in memory of the victims at Sandy Hook.
Our thoughts are with these families.
Our thoughts are with these families.
Source: New York Times
