patching...
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Newtown Tragedy

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Doors to Remain Locked in District 58 as Officials Consider Security Upgrades

A forum will be held with Downers Grove police and fire officials Feb. 6 to discuss extra security measures implemented after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The front doors to all school facilities in Downers Grove Grade School District 58 will remain locked as officials explore options for security upgrades in the coming months. Following the school shooting last month in Newtown, CT, which killed 20 children and six adults, District 58 immediately locked the front doors of each building and installed temporary doorbell systems that ring the school office to alert staff of a visitor. All front entrances were previously open and without a security guard. During the District 58 school board meeting Jan. 14, Superintendent Kari Cremascoli said the board has a list of security improvements to consider moving forward, including the installation of security cameras, intercom systems and a remote …

DFL56

1:04 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Locking doors and checking IDs and doing drills (students and first responders) is all pretty basic and should certainly be done. It could help slow down an attack or slightly discourage one. But in the end doesn't really reduce the chances of horrific violence very much. Duly noted that statistically speaking, the chances of being the kid in such a classroom that gets shot up is pretty small. …   more ›

Monday, January 14, 2013

Downers Grove District 58 Plans Safety Forum in Wake of Newtown Tragedy

A meeting forum will be held with Downers Grove police and fire officials Feb. 6 to discuss extra security measures implemented after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Downers Grove District 58 Plans Safety Forum in Wake of Newtown Tragedy

A forum will be held with Downers Grove police and fire officials Feb. 6 to discuss extra security measures implemented after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 will hold a public meeting next month to discuss the security measures implemented after the school shooting in Newtown, CT. The district will partner with Downers Grove police and fire departments for the presentation, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb 6 at Village Hall, 801 Burlington Ave. "Presenters will share an overview of the numerous safety and security measures in place in District 58 schools, as well as interagency partnerships and our future considerations," said Jennie Waldorf, communications director for District 58. Opportunities for feedback will be provided, Waldorf said. The meeting was prompted by the Dec. 14 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which killed 20 children and six …

Mac Miller

10:58 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013

It's nice that the doors will not be locked at all times. However, shouldn't this have been the case always? Also, all this stuff seems a little over the top considering that the gunman in Newtown also encountered a locked school. Perhaps, these meetings should focus on mental health and violence in video games and movies. I know it sounds so cliche but these things really do matter. How about …   more ›

Friday, December 21, 2012

In Hindsight: Tony Cesare

Downers Grove Patch columnist Tony Cesare offers a parent's perspective on the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Subdivisions

In Hindsight: Tony Cesare

Downers Grove Patch columnist Tony Cesare offers a parent's perspective on the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary.

A few years ago, I volunteered to teach my daughter’s kindergarten class all about Seurat and pointillism during Art Awareness Month, one of the most rewarding mornings I’ve ever spent. I put more time and effort into that presentation than I ever have any creative pitch I’ve ever been involved in professionally. Marketing wonks are easy to impress, just pepper your narrative with a lot of jargon (“So the ROI on this activation ideation will be both integrated and experiential…”) and they’ll believe you’re the smartest guy in the room. Trust me, it works. But jargon has no hold on a room full of hyperactive 5-year-olds; they can see right through that crap. You better be on your game with this crowd because I promise you, these kids have a…

PPL

11:43 pm on Friday, December 21, 2012

Sorry John Z, The Sunday funnies, Walmart circulars, and Victorias Secret catalogs don't count   more ›

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Why the Media Has to Talk About Sandy Hook

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." ~ George Santayana

The following column was written by Dawn Aulet, editor of Channahon-Minooka Patch and co-editor of Joliet Patch. I was listening to National Public Radio Monday afternoon when they aired the story of Noah Pozner, the youngest victim in the Sandy Hook shooting. Noah was a twin and the story highlighted how he and his twin sister were inseparable and detailed his personality as inquisitive and spirited. At the end of the story, the reporter said that the family of Noah said they chose to open the services to the public. They felt that would help the community and the family to heal. Additionally, Rabbi Shaul Praver, who officiated Monday's service, said Noah's mom wanted to share his story. They wanted people to know about him; they wanted …

Bob LeMay

9:11 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Additionally, the live interviews with 6- and 7-year-olds immediately after the shooting was irresponsible. Interview the parents, if they are willing, and get their children's reactions through them. But don't stick microphones in the face of young children in the wake of such a tragedy.   more ›

Got a Hot Tip?