Montour, Moon Release Statements on Sandy Hook Shootings

The Montour School District will offer assistance to students who have questions about a Connecticut school shooting that claimed the lives of 20 elementary school students and six faculty members.

Montour Superintendent Donald Boyer released the following statement to district families regarding the Dec. 14 mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. 

December 15, 2012

To the Montour School District Families,

As the tragedy of December 14, 2012 comes to a close, we want to remember the children and families affected by the terrible events that took place in Newtown, Connecticut. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School. 

The children may have questions and concerns about the events that took place yesterday. The Montour School District is ready to offer assistance through our school counselors, teachers, and administrators. When speaking to your children, be sure to address them calmly and with conversation that is age appropriate.  Also, permit them to speak to you at any time about these events. 

Remember that school shootings are rare.  Be sure the children know the facts.  These are events whose occurrence we all need to become better at preventing.

The Montour School District works diligently to create safe schools for our children.  Our Emergency Management Plan was written with great care and collaboration, and is reviewed periodically.  Procedures for student safety will be reviewed on Monday once again.  Our local Police, Fire and EMS are familiar with our facilities and are trained in various types of emergencies to be able to assist at any time.  We have safety procedures in place for each building, and we will review these procedures building by building.  If adjustments need to be made, we will notify you of new procedures.  

As a reminder the Montour School District offers automated calling and texting systems to notify parents in the event of school closings or sudden emergencies. Please make sure you keep your contact information updated.

The events that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School are shattering and each of us cannot help but be moved in some way to offer a moment of sadness, reflection, and prayer.  Please do not hesitate to contact any of our offices if you have questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Donald E. Boyer, Superintendent

Montour School District

Moon Area School District officials on Monday said in a statement that safety remains a top priority at the district's seven buildings. 

The district relased the following statement, which is available on its website: 

Moon Area School District would like to reassure families that safety remains our top priority. Safety plans are in place at each of our seven buildings, and are being reviewed in conjunction with the Moon Township Police Department to ensure that all students and staff are safe. District administration, teachers, and counselors are available to speak with students and parents/guardians who may have questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation in these efforts. Additionally, please see the links below for helpful resources:

A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope – Tips for Parents and Teachers

Coping with Crisis – Helping Children with Special Needs

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

Resources for Dealing with Traumatic Events in Schools

Visit Newtown Patch for further coverage of the incident.