Crime & Safety

Newtown School Shootings: Downers Grove Districts React

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 and Community High School District 99 released brief statements on school safety protocol following Friday's shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.

School administrators in Downers Grove have taken to their districts' websites to address Friday's tragic school shooting in Newtown, CT.

One gunman, identified as 20-year-old Adam Lanza, attacked a suburban Connecticut elementary school Friday, killing 26 people, including 20 children, law enforcement sources said.

Downers Grove Grade School District 58, which comprises 11 elementary schools and two middle schools, issued a statement to parents shortly after the shooting.

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"When tragedies such as these occur, we are all deeply saddened and impacted by the news...as parents, as educators and as members of a community," District 58 Superintendent Kari Cremascoli said in the release. "The victims, their families and their community are in our thoughts and hearts. A calamity of this magnitude should never occur anywhere, at anytime."

Students were not made aware of the shooting during the day, Cremascoli said. However, the district employs a number of social workers, psychologists and other professionals who are available to talk to children, according to the release.

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Cremascoli said the shooting was a reminder of the "continued need to be vigilant in our safety protocols."

"We work in close partnership with our Downers Grove police and fire departments to ensure safety at our schools," Cremascoli said. "While no plan can totally prevent a random act of senseless violence like this, our district has comprehensive crisis plans in place to guide us through a variety of emergency situations should the need arise. These plans are reviewed and revised annually in cooperation with law enforcement authorities. 

"We also hold crisis drills with students and staff each year so they know what to do in case of an emergency. As the lessons learned from this incident emerge, our plans will be reviewed to implement those lessons learned as appropriate."

A statement issued to parents in Community High School District 99 reminded parents and students of the district's safety procedures.

"In the case of an emergency, we will post information to our websites as well as use our phone and email notification system to share critical information," said District 99 Superintendent Mark McDonald. "We will also issue text messages."

To sign up for text notifications, community members should send a text message from their mobile device to 68453 with the word "subscribe." Parents should also ensure that their contact information is up-to-date and accurate in the District 99 Home Access Center.

"Please remind your student that the safety of our schools is a shared responsibility," McDonald said. "If anyone is ever aware of a situation that could compromise our safety, that person should contact an adult immediately. Additionally, please remind your student of the need to follow the direction of staff and emergency personnel in the case of any emergency."

For information on talking to children about the Newtown school shooting, read "Newtown Elementary School Shooting: How to Talk To Your Kids About It."

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