In Light Of Tragic Texas School Shooting, Increased Police Presence In HoCo Expected

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The country was left reeling after another school shooting unfolded in Texas Tuesday leaving 19 children and 2 adults dead. In Howard County, there will be an increased police presence around school buildings, Howard County Police Department spokesperson Sherry Llewellyn told Patch.

Howard County Public School System Superintendent Michael Martirano spoke out about the tragedy Tuesday night and reassured parents that their students' safety and well-being is of utmost importance.

"My heart is heavy as I process the news of another senseless act of school violence and loss of life at Robb Elementary School in the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District in Texas. I hurt for the families and communities impacted. I know this takes a toll on the children and adults in our Howard County community, just as it impacts me immensely. Many of us are feeling sadness, frustration and concern as we consider the impact of this situation on our young people," Martirano said.

The superintendent shared that the student services team at each HCPSS school building is ready to assist students and staff members affected by the tragedy.

"We will encourage students who need an outlet to talk about these events with trusted adults in their building. Parents/guardians can access resources available online about how to talk to children about school violence if they are in need," he said.

In collaboration with the Howard County Police Department, the school district also has implemented school emergency plans, trains staff, maintains security cameras located throughout every school and locks doors and windows to enhance safety in every school building and office.

Here are some additional sources for talking with children about school shootings:

• American Psychological Association (APA): Helping your Child Manage Distress In The Aftermath Of A School Shooting
• National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Your Children About Violence
• Commonsense Media: Explaining The News To Our Kids
• Commonsense Media: How To Talk To Kids About School Shootings
• Childmind.org: Anxiety Over School Shootings

Read more:

• Texas School Shooting: What We Know About Uvalde Victims
• Texas School Shooting: Gunman Killed 19 Kids, 2 Teachers In Same Class