Marblehead Schools Provide Student, Staff Support After Texas Shooting

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead Public Schools will provide additional support services, while maintaining established comprehensive security protocols, following the latest school shooting in America that claimed the lives of at least 19 students and two teachers in Texas on Tuesday.

Superintendent John Buckey said in a letter to the school community that the "senseless acts of violence" are "nothing short of devastating" and that the district will support any student, staff member or family that needs counseling or extra help during this troubling time.

"As the events in Uvalde continue to dominate the news cycle, students of all ages undoubtedly have questions and concerns that they may share with their families, classmates or school staff," Buckey said. "Our staff and counselors will be available to students and adults who may need support.

"If your student needs specific support to process these traumatic events, please reach out to a counselor, teacher or administrator at your school."

The district also recommended resources from the American Psychological Association and The National Association of Psychologists.

"As always, the safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority in the Marblehead Public Schools," Buckey said. "Please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of our school community, including my administrative team, if we can help support you and your family in any way during this difficult time."

Buckey told Patch the district routinely coordinates with the Marblehead Police Department and Marblehead Fire Department to run emergency drills during off-school hours and that each building has its own emergency preparedness plan.

The district has implemented the ALICE protocol as a response to an armed intruder, and last year Buckey reinstated the Safety Committee made up of police, fire, EMS and a School Committee representative, directors and building administration that meets monthly to review safety protocols.

Next year's supplement budget also includes additional funding for school safety and security — including cameras, radios, doors, software and personnel.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)