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Richmond City schools discuss safety after Newtown shooting

Posted at 10:30 PM, Dec 16, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-16 22:41:33-05

Many are on edge after the school shooting that took the lives of 26 people at Sandy Hook elementary in Newton, Connecticut. CBS 6 reached out to local schools to find out what, if any, extra security will be in place in the wake of a national tragedy that has many on edge. 

The following statement is from Felicia Cosby, communications officer with Richmond public schools.

“In response to Friday’s tragedy in Connecticut, Richmond Public Schools is implementing a number of procedures to ensure the continued safety and well being of our students and staff. 

The district is currently reviewing its safety and security protocols district-wide.

Moreover, our safety and security personnel will be visiting schools to review proper procedures with building administrators and staff. In addition, the district has reached out to the Richmond Police Department to seek additional patrols and visibility this week around our schools. This is not in response to any specific threat, but rather a proactive initiative to enhance our safety and security efforts and to help alleviate both staff and parental anxiety.

Crisis counselors will be on hand tomorrow for not only students, but also for parents and staff.  Some of our schools will be holding informal meetings with parents and staff tomorrow  to share information about our current processes, as well as our most recent efforts in the wake of this tragedy. If parents need assistance, we ask that they please inform a building administrator so that we may provide additional support and resources.

As always, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is of the utmost importance to Richmond Public Schools. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to ensure our learning facilities are safe, and that our students and staff are protected from harm.

Our thoughts remain with the children and families of Newton.”

–Felicia Cosby, communications officer with Richmond public schools.