Salem Increases Police Presence At Schools After Texas Shooting

SALEM, MA — There were an increased police presence and counseling services at Salem Public Schools on Wednesday in the wake of the latest school shooting in America that claimed the lives of at least 19 students and two teachers at a Texas elementary school on Tuesday.

"We know that tragic events like this can result in anxiety and fear for many members of our community," the district said in a letter that went home to families on Wednesday morning. "Students and staff will require additional support during this time. Our school-based student support teams are ready to provide counsel to members of our community who may be struggling with the news of this school shooting.

"Additionally, we have provided guidance to educators and school leaders as they help our students process this event in a developmentally appropriate manner. We have been in contact with the Salem Police Department, which will have increased visibility at our schools."

The district also provided online resources that families can access at home from the National Association of School Psychologists, Common Sense Media, the American Psychological Association, and the Anti-Defamation League.

Those who need additional support were urged to contact the school at 978-740-1225 or studentsupport@salemk12.org.

"We are committed to strengthening relationships with our students and families," the district said. "This remains the most important deterrent when addressing the potential for school violence.

"Our students need to know that they are valued, seen and supported across our school communities."

Officials expressed outrage, compassion and resolve about the latest mass shooting across the country.

"Hug your children tonight," Salem Superintendent Steve Zrike said in a social media post on Tuesday night. "What an unspeakable tragedy. Families should never worry if their children will come home safe each day. Schools must be peaceful spaces for kids and educators.

"I can't believe we are doing this again. It is very hard to process."

Salem Mayor and School Committee Chair Kim Driscoll, who is also a candidate for lieutenant governor, pledged to do "what I can, in all of my capacities, to stop this horrific tide of violence" and added: "The people of Salem and Massachusetts mourn with our neighbors in Uvalde today."

"My heart breaks for the Robb Elementary School families and the whole Uvalde community," she said Tuesday night. "Thinking of this tragic mass murder fills me with sorrow for all those who knew and lost a child today, and with rage that these atrocities continue to be a regular occurrence in our nation."

Patch has reached out to school officials to find out if any additional security measures are being instituted in the wake of the Texas shootings.

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Salem) said the killings were the latest indication that "what is clear is that it is too easy for the wrong people to get guns and commit murder. We have to stop this. There is much more we can do. And we must."

He added on Wednesday morning that those actions include red flag laws that prevent potentially troubled individuals from obtaining guns, stronger background checks and raising the purchase age for firearms to 21 years old nationwide.

"Those are just the easy ones the public overwhelmingly supports," Moulton said. "We must do more."

(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.)