Agostine: Our Emergency Procedures Worked Well This Week

Monroe Supt. of Schools James Agostine sent the following message to parents:

Good Evening,

This is Jim Agostine, Superintendent of Monroe Public Schools. Today is Friday Dec. 21. I am contacting you today to give you an update on security issues and the week’s events.

In my last communication I informed you of the work done this fall to update our emergency procedures and the audit of our security systems. I am pleased to report that our emergency procedures worked well this week and we will continue them upon our return on January 2, 2013. The Police presence was welcome and effective in easing fears of students, staff, and parents. I have been in communication with Chief Salvatore and he has enthusiastically agreed to provide several Officers to the District starting in January. We will assess this plan and modify it as needed.

Regarding our security systems, the Board of Education reviewed the recommendations and approved the new system that was designed for us. We began wiring the new system today and, beginning in January, the cameras, buzz in devises, and additional hard and software will be installed. Do not be alarmed if you see contractors working near entrances around our buildings in the coming weeks. We have also begun the task of evaluating our foyers and the locations of our offices and security staff. We are focused on achieving greater visual command of our entrances.

As we worked through the week assisting Newtown, I have had time to reflect on the events of last Friday and have a couple thoughts to share with you. First, all Monroe residents should feel overwhelming pride and happiness that they could extend to Newtown such a valuable gift as Chalk Hill School. The most frequent comment I have heard this week from parents and staff of Newtown is "we are so grateful that we could be together". Second is to reaffirm my commitment to you to do everything I can to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your children.

I want to thank our staff for their hard work and dedication to the children of Monroe. Please have a safe vacation. I wish each and all of you a Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas.

Sincerely,

Jim