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Allen ISD superintendent sends message regarding Newtown tragedy
By Dr. Ken Helvey
Dear Allen parents,
As news coverage of the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut continues, our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the families and educators in the Sandy Hook Elementary School community. There are no words that can adequately describe the feelings of parents and educators across the country and in our own community as we all attempt to make sense of this tragedy.
In light of the tragic events on Friday, we know that many Allen parents may have renewed concerns regarding emergency procedures in our own schools. Please be assured that Allen ISD has made many preparations to deal effectively with emergency situations that could occur in or around the school. Our goal is to be as prepared as we can be for any potential emergency. We have emergency plans in place, and we practice regular drills, including intruder drills and lockdowns, to help protect all students and staff from harm. In addition, we work in partnership with the Allen police and fire departments to ensure our schools are as safe as possible.
As we move forward in Allen ISD this coming week, our teachers and staff will be focused on their regular daily learning activities. At the same time, our staff members are sensitive to the concerns and questions of their students. Our guidance counselors will be available to support students as needed. It is important that our students feel safe at school so they can continue to learn and grow academically and socially.
Parents who have children asking questions might find a resource from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) helpful. The pamphlet is called Talking About School Violence and is available at: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/talkingviolence.pdf.
Please keep the many people affected by this tragedy in your prayers and give thanks to the many teachers and support staff members who do so much more than teach your children each day.
Sincerely,
Ken Helvey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
As news coverage of the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut continues, our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the families and educators in the Sandy Hook Elementary School community. There are no words that can adequately describe the feelings of parents and educators across the country and in our own community as we all attempt to make sense of this tragedy.
In light of the tragic events on Friday, we know that many Allen parents may have renewed concerns regarding emergency procedures in our own schools. Please be assured that Allen ISD has made many preparations to deal effectively with emergency situations that could occur in or around the school. Our goal is to be as prepared as we can be for any potential emergency. We have emergency plans in place, and we practice regular drills, including intruder drills and lockdowns, to help protect all students and staff from harm. In addition, we work in partnership with the Allen police and fire departments to ensure our schools are as safe as possible.
As we move forward in Allen ISD this coming week, our teachers and staff will be focused on their regular daily learning activities. At the same time, our staff members are sensitive to the concerns and questions of their students. Our guidance counselors will be available to support students as needed. It is important that our students feel safe at school so they can continue to learn and grow academically and socially.
Parents who have children asking questions might find a resource from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) helpful. The pamphlet is called Talking About School Violence and is available at: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/talkingviolence.pdf.
Please keep the many people affected by this tragedy in your prayers and give thanks to the many teachers and support staff members who do so much more than teach your children each day.
Sincerely,
Ken Helvey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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