Local Area Schools Locked Down Tighter Than a Drum

In light of the awful, terrible shooting tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, this is how the local schools in Ladue and Frontenac are handling security for their students, staff and administration.

Ladue’s Communications Director Susan Dielmann reports Ladue Schools have been secured behind electronic doors ever since Prop K passed in 2007, giving them funds to finish that project.

“Our parents, families all know no one enters the building without first being buzzed in by security. Our staff has keys and cards to gain entry from the outside. Parents and other visitors must first check in with the front office then wear badges when traveling through any of our buildings.”

Dielmann said the shooting in Connecticut is just the worst of the worst. “None wants anything like this to happen to the children, especially on their watch,” she said.

Ladue has television cameras positioned to watch virtually every entry and exit point in their various buildings. 

The Ladue High School’s front door is left unlocked during school hours. “Obviously if any stranger is in our hallways, we will see that right away,” she said. The main office is glassed in, with the receptionist able to see everyone coming and going.

Here’s what other schools have done to guarantee the safety of their school community.

This how the Newtown Patch is reporting the shooting tragedy, minute by minute.

Villa Duchesne

Bob Carr, the Director of Finance and Operations had this to say about the tragic events and the security on the sprawling Villa Duchesne-Oak Hill Campus.

“We are praying today for the families at Sandy Hook Elementary School. At Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School, the safety of our students is paramount. Doors are electronically secured; visitors must register with a receptionist; and off-duty Frontenac police officers patrol the campus,” said Carr.

Community School in Ladue

Mathew Gould, head of school expressed his deepest sympathy to those who survived this tragedy. "This is a very sad, unimaginable thing that involves such fragile lives. Our prayers go out to all those families involved," said Dr. Gould.

Community School has just one drive off Clayton Road. "That can be a blessing and a curse. We know from quite a distance who is approaching us. We think that helps our overall security."

Everyone at Community is trained to deal with strangers. "We have written documents outlining our security and we practice everything from earth quake and tornado drills to intruders on campus," said the head of school.

St. Joseph's Academy

The school in Frontenac is another one not easily approached from the street. There is just one way in and out from Lindbergh Boulevard. Sr. Pat Dunphy, princiipal limited her response to a few well chosen words: "We have a security plan in place," she said.

John Burroughs

Andy Abbott, Head of School stated it this way: "We do review our procedures on a yearly basis for all types of situations as an administration and then we practice them with the student body.  The safety of our students is our primary concern at all times.  We will have our counseling team available all of next week to meet with students and parents."

MICDS

Lisa Lyle, MICDS Head of School shared this message 'talking to children', something she has already shared with her own school community:

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.

1. Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.

6. Limit television viewing of these events. Limit television viewing and be aware if the television is on in common areas. Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children. Adults also need to be mindful of the content of conversations that they have with each other in front of children, even teenagers, and limit their exposure to vengeful, hateful, and angry comments that might be misunderstood.

7. Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed.

Suggested Points to Emphasize When Talking to Children

• Schools are safe places. School staff work with parents and public safety providers (local police and fire departments, emergency responders, hospitals, etc.) to keep you safe.

• The school building is safe because ... (cite specific school procedures).

• We all play a role in the school safety. Be observant and let an adult know if you see or

  hear something that makes you feel uncomfortable, nervous or frightened.

possibility of something happening and the probability that it will affect our school.

their anger, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or suffering from mental illness. Adults (parents, teachers, police officers, doctors, faith leaders) work very hard to get those people help and keep them from hurting others. It is important for all of us to know how to get help if we feel really upset or angry and to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

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