Rye, Blind Brook Schools Talk Safety After Sandy Hook

Rye and Blind Brook schools are evaluating their safety procedures in the wake of the horrific Sandy Hook elementary school shooting in Newtown, Ct. on Dec. 14.

Blind Brook school district officials put their buildings under a “lock out,” on Friday afternoon, after receiving news of the tragedy. No one was allowed to enter school buildings until after dismissal.

Now, Blind Brook and Rye City School District are both evaluating their safety, security and emergency management procedures. They have also offered their school counselor and psychological services to the community.

The Blind Brook Board of Education will be holding a special public meeting on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. to discuss school safety and security. Following the public meeting, the board will go into executive session with an agenda to discuss Federation negotiations.

On Saturday, Rye City School District superintendent Frank Alvarez sent a letter that assured the community that district administrators will review emergency management plans based on what they learn from the recent tragedy. He also noted that the district reviews such procedures annually and students practice drills throughout the year.

Administrators, counselors and psychologists, social workers and school nurses are available to assist family’s needs, Alvarez wrote.

Alvarez has been in communication with Rye City Police commissioner William Connors, board of education members and the Rye Police department. He plans to meet with school officials, parent organization leaders and other representatives from throughout the school community to discuss the important topic of safety and security.

The public can offer suggestions and state concerns by emailing feedback@ryeschools.org.

“Please know that we are here to support you and your family during this difficult time. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help,” Alvarez wrote in a letter to the school community Monday.

Read Alvarez’s full Dec. 17 letter, here.

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What do you think of the school’s current safety procedures? What suggestions or concerns would you like your school district to consider? Please share your thoughts in the comments.