Murrieta Schools Supt. Addresses Concerns Following Connecticut Shootings

The following is a letter sent to parents Friday, Dec. 14 by Murrieta Valley Unified School District Superintendent Pat Kelley:

Following the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, understandably parents across the country are worried about the safety of their own children. I want to assure you that Murrieta Valley Unified places the safety of our students and staff as our highest priority and as a district we have been very proactive about school safety.

Whether it involves a natural disaster or something human-initiated, we fully understand that the protection of children is our most important role, and that learning is difficult in an environment in which children do not feel safe. As we continue to reflect on the senseless and tragic incident that took place in Connecticut this morning, I would like to provide you with some information about some of the things we do to promote safe campuses. At the same time, I want to make available to you some resources that can help provide comfort to children both at home and at school during times like these.

It is important to understand that school shootings are extremely rare and that high profile incidents like Newtown and Columbine tend to overshadow the fact that violent crime has been steadily decreasing in schools since the early 1990s. With that said, we also realize that no community is immune to such incidents, and that we must do everything possible (and within reason) to ensure the safety of our students.

We continue to work very closely with the Murrieta Police Department and Murrieta Fire Department to ensure safe campuses at all of our schools. These efforts include both prevention and response strategies, with a high priority on effective communication during an emergency.  There are 7 police officers assigned to our schools on a full time basis including one sergeant and one corporal. Murrieta Police officers are highly trained to respond to any crisis and they have assured us they will increase patrols at our schools in the coming days.

We have performed comprehensive school safety audits at each of our schools that identify entry and exit points and any vulnerable aspects of a school’s physical layout. Fire protection and law enforcement are intimately familiar with the layouts of our schools and they are qualified to deal with this type of event and respond appropriately.

Each school has its own emergency plan that acts as a guide before, during and after an emergency situation. Our schools routinely conduct safety drills for a variety of situations like earthquakes, fires and “intruder on campus” scenarios. This includes audible alarm systems and training for staff and students.

The best prevention strategies, however, involve the awareness and alertness of students, staff members and parents. I wish to re-emphasize the importance of notifying the school, district or the police if you see or hear of a student or other individual who may have the intent or potential to harm themselves or others.  Students are encouraged to talk to an adult on campus if they are concerned about school safety.  Students and parents can help by being our eyes and ears on campus and reporting any suspicious behaviors or issues of potential concern to the school offices, Murrieta Police Department’s 24-hour dispatch line at (951) 696-3615 or anonymous calls may also be made to We Tip 800 1-800-78-CRIME -or- 1-800-782-7463.

With all of the disturbing television and newspaper images coming from this most recent tragedy, it is in the best interest of your children to avoid having them them watch the news, especially younger children. These are issues that they cannot understand and which may cause anxiety. Please limit what they see and hear.   It is normal for children to experience a wide range of emotions including shock, confusion, anger, hostility and denial or inability to acknowledge the situation has occurred.

Most children are able to deal with their emotions with adequate support from family, friends, and school personnel. At home, parents are encouraged to reduce the radio and television exposure to this event and talk to their children about what they have seen or heard in the media.

School personnel are trained to notice children who may be struggling emotionally and provide them with the support they need. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher if you have concerns about your child.  Our school counselors are trained to provide emotional support and to help with any concerns students or parents may have in light of this incident. We rely heavily on the efforts of parents and guardians to provide emotional support for children at home, and to reinforce the fact that schools are safe places for children to be.

For more information on how to help your child, or other school mental health resources, the following may be helpful:
—PTA Talking about School Violence
—PBS - Talking to Kids About the News
—Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA for Kids); General guidelines  about helping children in a disaster,

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s principal or our Director of Safe Schools, Wayne Sakamoto at 951-696-1600.

Sincerely,

Pat Kelley
District Superintendent

Editor’s Note: Additionally, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and Mark Ghilarducci, secretary of California Emergency Management Agency and the governor’s homeland security advisor, sent the attached letter Saturday to county and district superintendents and charter school administrators.