San Juan Unified Responds to Connecticut Elementary School Shooting

While a nation focuses its attention on the unthinkable events that continue to develop at a Connecticut elementary school, local school district officials are turning their attention inward, examining preventative measures in place in the event of a tragedy.

When asked about how prepared San Juan Unified School District is in the event of an active shooter situation, district Superintendent Glynn Thompson explained there are certain precautions each school has taken to ensure the district is as prepared for something like this as possible.

In an e-mailed response, Allen wrote about the protocols each school is prepared to take in the event of an active school shooting incident. Here is what he had to say:

We are all deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut this morning. We cannot begin to imagine the horrific impacts this will leave on the students and families in that community. Please join me in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.

While this tragedy seems to be an isolated incident, we know that you will be thinking about the safety and security of our own students and schools. I want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff is, and will continue to be, a top priority every day. Our schools practice lockdown and safety drills each year to teach students and staff what to do in case of an emergency. We are also very fortunate to have our Safe Schools partnership with the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department and Citrus Heights Police Department to identify, analyze and address any potential safety risks at the earliest possible opportunity. 

Awareness is our best preventative tool. If you hear, see or learn of any suspicious behaviors, activities or threats of violence, please report them to school staff or law enforcement immediately. It is important that all visitors to our campuses follow the school’s guest check-in and check-out policy. Please be sure to check in at the office anytime you visit one of our campuses.

As we learn more about exactly what happened in Connecticut, our staff will be debriefing to see what we can learn to improve our own safety procedures. Please share any safety concerns or ideas you have with your school principal. 

This morning’s incident serves as a reminder to all of us to take a moment to express our love and appreciation for those we care about.  Thank you for being a part of our caring San Juan Unified community and supporting each other and those in Connecticut.