Keeping kids safe is ‘Job No. 1’ in town schools

Published in the February 21, 2018 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — School and local officials continue to evaluate safety procedures in the wake of the latest school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

A 19-year-old gunman allegedly shot and killed 17 people at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14. The Associated Press reported the suspect, Nikolas Cruz, had been expelled from school and had mental health issues and had been reported to law enforcement. Cruz is facing 17 counts of first-degree murder.

In a letter sent to parents and guardians last week, Superintendent Jane Tremblay said she was “stunned by the horrific act of violence.”

“It is almost impossible to understand the depth of sadness and loss the community of Parkland is now faced with,” said Tremblay.

Tremblay stressed, “Security in our schools is our number one priority.”

“We continue to work in collaboration with the Lynnfield Police Department in order to make sure our schools are a safe and secure place for children and adults,” she said.

After the shooting, Tremblay, Police Chief David Breen and Town Administrator Rob Dolan toured the schools in order to evaluate safety measures currently being undertaken.

“It was important for us to share with Rob the safety measures we have put into place over the past three years,” said Tremblay. “We also asked him to be a fresh set of eyes for us and offer any additional security suggestions. Our conversations and training regarding safety is ongoing with our administrators, teachers and students.”

The School Security Task Force, comprised of School Resource Officer Patrick Curran, Sergeant Al Scotina and Middle School Principal Stephen Ralston, gave a presentation on school security last October. Curran noted the School Department has upgraded its security cameras and implemented the COPsync911 program in 2015. COPsync911 is a software-based alert notification system that is available on computers and mobile devices.

“It’s basically like a panic button,” said Curran.

The School Department has upgraded each school to make the buildings safer last summer. The School Department also began implementing the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) program during the 2016-2017 school year. Curran said teachers and staff have been trained using ALICE both last year and this year, which included “building-specific drills.”

During last October’s presentation, Curran said a state task force recommended implementing ALICE in schools across the commonwealth. He said ALICE has enabled 10 schools across the country stop a violent intruder.

“What we teach in ALICE can be used throughout the community,” said Curran. “These skills can be used at a movie theater, county fair or a concert. We are providing tools for their tool bag in case a dangerous situation or crisis comes up. We are empowering individuals to save lives, including their own.”

In a phone interview with the Villager, Tremblay said students in grades K-12 have received ALICE training.

“Each grade level has had an introductory assembly and follow-up conservations,” said Tremblay. “Students at the middle and high schools have been given scenarios, and have been working collaboratively to determine what the best course of action is.”

Ralston noted last year the ALICE training program will be different for elementary, middle and high school students.

“We are trying to make it as simple as possible,” said Ralston. “We are trying to keep things as age appropriate as we can and our goal is not to scare any of our students.”

If students and staff are evacuated from a school, there will be a predetermined community rally point that will take place away from the school. Curran said last year Lynnfield High School students and staff will be prevented from leaving the high school via their own cars.

Last week, Tremblay said school administrators reported, “Students were not discussing the most recent events in Florida.” She also said, “Faculty and staff continue to be shocked and saddened each time a school shooting is reported.”

The superintendent encouraged parents to remind their children that “our community is filled with loving and supportive adults.” If students or parents “hear or see anything that causes them to be concerned,” Tremblay said they “should report it immediately.”

“Please know that I and all of our school administrators remain available to speak with students and adults at any time regarding any concerns,” Tremblay added. “I hope you find time in the coming week to enjoy your families and hold your children close.”

Lynnfield for Love will be hosting a vigil to honor the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting on Wednesday, Feb. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the steps of Town Hall.