A Security Message From The Superintendent
Posted on 02/20/2018
February 16, 2018

Dear Parents, Students and Staff:

I am deeply saddened to be writing this letter to you after yet another tragic school shooting that has victimized both students and school staff.

I wish this letter could definitively state that this would never happen here, but in Connecticut we know better than that.  My intention is to assure you that as a superintendent, I give you my commitment that we are doing everything we can to make sure that your children and our staff are safe while in our schools.  

While I can’t discuss the specifics of our safety protocols, I can assure you that we work closely with the Plainville Police and Fire departments to run realistic scenario drills on a regular basis. Our goal in running these drills is to prepare students and staff for a variety of situations, so that they have the best chance to respond in ways that keep everyone safe.

I am very thankful for our skilled administrators, teachers, and mental health professionals, who work every day in our schools on behalf of your children.  The most important thing that we can do is to truly know our children, and to care for them when they need our help. Our counselors, social workers, and school psychologists work tirelessly to ensure that each child is safe, is being checked on, and is being heard. Their jobs, in today’s environment, are only becoming more and more difficult. Today, and in the future, they are available, and meeting with our students who might be struggling to come to terms with recent events. I cannot thank them enough for their efforts.

Finally, we rely on our children, and our parents, to keep us informed if they hear or see something concerning. Social media allows for many faceless comments, warnings and even threats. It is more important than ever that we treat each other with kindness and respect, whether in person or online. When we see something that does not feel right, be it words or images, please let your teacher, principal, or the police know about it. We must teach our kids that speaking up when something concerns them is the right thing to do.   I hope that I never have to write to you again about this topic, but I felt that it was important to reach out to you today so that you know that this is not just on my mind, but on the minds of all who work in and lead our schools.

In the coming weeks, I plan to convene a meeting of our district leadership and the Plainville Police to once again, review our safety protocols in light of recent events. If you have any questions about how to access assistance for your child, please contact your school administrator.

Thank you in advance for your support in keeping our students safe.

Sincerely

Maureen Brummett, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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