District 36: Safety Main Focus in Connecticut Aftermath

School officials say safety protocols are in effect , according to an email from School District 36 Superintendent Dr. Thomas Hagerman.

For many Winnetka residents, the Connecticut shooting is a dark reminder of a similar incident at Hubbard Woods School.

In May 1988, Laurie Dann, a 30-year-old baby sitter, went on a violent spree at Hubbard Woods School, shooting wildly into a second grade classroom, killing an 8-year-old boy and wounding five others, NBC Chicago reported.

“Obviously, when we hear about a tragedy such as this, it both serves as a reminder of our own experience many years ago at Hubbard Woods School, and also as an opportunity to reflect on the security measures that we currently have in the District to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” Hagerman wrote in the email.

Below is the email Hagerman sent to parents.

Dear Parents:

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I want to make sure that everyone is informed about the horrific school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this time.

Obviously, when we hear about a tragedy such as this, it both serves as a reminder of our own experience many years ago at Hubbard Woods School, and also as an opportunity to reflect on the security measures that we currently have in the District to ensure the safety of our students and staff. The Winnetka Public Schools has a safety plan in place that has been reviewed with the Village police and fire departments.

As a reminder, some of the safety protocols that are currently in effect include:

(1)  Keeping external doors locked;

(2)  Having visitors sign in and use name badges;

(3)  Utilizing two-way radios;

(4)  Ensuring that students outside are always supervised;

(5)  Providing staff supervision before and after school, and during transition times; and

(6)  Being vigilant and notifying an administrator of anything unusual.

Our number one priority, safety, is a shared responsibility for all of us.  Thank you for supporting the work we do each day to ensure this. As always, if you ever have a safety concern, please notify your child's building principal.

I know that I speak for all of us when I say that our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Newton, Connecticut. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. 

In Service, 

Dr. Thomas Hagerman

Superintendent
Winnetka School District 36

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