Texas School Shooting: Glenview Leaders React To Tragedy

GLENVIEW, IL — Americans across the nation are learning new details about the latest mass shooting, this time at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. On Tuesday, a gunman barricaded himself inside a classroom at Robb Elementary School and killed 19 children and two teachers.

Meanwhile, local leaders and officials are reacting to the tragic news and looking for ways to prevent future violence, especially at area schools.

“Our hearts go out to the entire Uvalde community after this senseless tragedy," Glenview Village President Mike Jenny told Patch via email. "Glenview Police have been in touch with local school districts and will be increasing their presence and visibility near school properties through the remainder of the school year. As always, if a member of the community sees something or someone that seems suspicious, please dial 9-1-1 to report it.”

The gunman, identified as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, recently bought two rifles from a local licensed seller, one on May 17 and one on May 20, along with 375 rounds of ammunition on May 18, according to a briefing obtained by the Austin American-Statesman.

RELATED: Texas School Shooting: Gunman Killed 19 Kids, 2 Teachers In Same Class

In an email to parents, Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 Superintendent Dr. Brian Wegley addressed continued school safety measures and support.

"We were deeply saddened by the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, yesterday," Wegley said. "We stand together with the support of one another and know that events like this take time to process. Continued Priority of Safety remains our highest priority, and we have comprehensive safety plans in place that remain coordinated with local authorities."

Wegley said the safety plans include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Conducting regular lockdown and safety drills
• Working closely with the Glenview and Northbrook Police Departments & School Resource Officers
• Continuous training with our staff
• Evaluating and hardening our buildings and classrooms
• Requiring all visitors to check with proper identification at the front office through secure entrances
• Promoting a See Something Say Something culture

In addition, Wegley said the Glenview and Northbrook police departments are increasing police presence around district schools for the remainder of the year.

"We will all process this tragedy in different ways as we provide support within our schools. Our Student Services Department will be available to students and staff throughout today and the days ahead," Wegley said. "Addressing the topic at home may or may not be necessary. It is natural for our students to have questions about this senseless violence."

In the email, Wegley shared with parents recommendations from the National Association of School Psychologists on how to best talk to children about violent acts. The resource advises parents or caregivers to find out if their children know about the event and suggest the following:

• Reassure children that they are safe, and we work together to make school a safe place.
• Make time to talk. Keep your explanations calm and developmentally appropriate (see article for details).
• Avoid graphic details and exposure to media when possible. It is best to share basic information in a straightforward and direct manner. Limit social media and television viewing.
• Review safety protocols and remind children they have safe adults to turn to at home and school.
• Maintain a typical routine and be mindful of changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns, which can indicate a child’s level of anxiety or discomfort.

Dr. Dane Delli, superintendent of Glenview School District 34, also shared the tips from the National Association of School Psychologists with parents on Tuesday.

"District 34 has an emergency and crisis plan in place, and we regularly review it," Delli told Patch. "All of our building and District teams are taking time today, on top of our regular reviews, to look at the district and building plans in light of the tragedy in Texas."

Delli added that the district's student services teams in the schools are prepared to address any concerns and help students cope with any feelings of fear or anxiety as a result of the news. He said the district will share additional information with students, staff and families about the resources available for reporting and help, including the statewide Safe2HelpIL (District 34 was a pilot district for this program before it rolled out statewide) and the Bullying Tip Line.

Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery noted in a statement that it has been just 10 days since the nation grieved another mass shooting in Buffalo, New York.

"There are no words to help the families through this tragedy. The unimaginable continues to happen in our schools where teachers, students, and parents should feel safe," Montgomery said.

RELATED: Texas School Shooting: What We Know About Uvalde Victims