Upper Grand Board Responds to Sandy Hook Elementary School Shootings
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 17, 2012
GUELPH, Ontario — In response to the tragic events involving Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, the Upper Grand District School Board has put a number of supports into place for its schools, students and their families.
Deeply saddened by the news reports, the board has provided the following information:
- a letter for parents and guardians (posted on the board’s website)
- resources for parents about talking to children about tragic events (posted on the board’s website)
- information to schools about contacting the board’s Crisis Response Team for assistance for staff or students who need to talk to someone at the school
- a letter to the system from the Director of Education.
The flags at all elementary schools and the board office have been lowered in an expression of support for the people of Newtown.
Parents were reminded that the board’s staff and principals are trained in Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA). Teams work closely with police and community agencies to help identify individuals who may pose a risk of harm to others in schools. The training is lead by Kevin Cameron, the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response. Additional training is being offered in January.
In her letter to the system, Director of Education, Martha Rogers said: “It is important at this time to ensure our students and our parents that our schools are safe. We have safety procedures in place and excellent working relationships with all of our police forces, first responders and other community agencies…”.
Dr. Rogers also asked staff to look after their own mental health and well being and provided information that the board’s crisis response personnel and its Employee Assistance Program is available to help. She thanked staff for their support of students and families, and paid tribute to the bravery of the Newtown staff and community partners who reacted quickly in the crisis situation.
Supports will be available in the schools for as long as necessary.
For more information:
Maggie McFadzen, Communications Officer
519-822-4420 ext. 725
[email protected]
Mark Weidmark, Administrative Officer – Communications
519-822-4420 ext. 544
[email protected]
Categories: Media Releases