Holmdel Schools Step Up Security After Newtown, Ct. School Shooting

The Holmdel Police Department "will be a presence" at all four schools this week, Holmdel Schools Superintendent Barbara Duncan said in a statement to parents of the 3,000 enrolled students today. 

"In addition, all school entrances are locked and there are security cameras in place in each building," she said. "Visitors are screened electronically at the Main Entrance of each school by district personnel before gaining entry."

The schools are enforcing security following the tragic shooting of 20 children and six teachers at Newtown, Ct. on Friday, when a gunman is believed to have gained entry to the school by shooting through the glass doors. 

Duncan said, "All the administrators are committed to ensuring the safety of our students and staff by implementing, and consistently reviewing and updating, our school security plans." 

Village School Principal Brian Schillaci emailed parents on Saturday to express his concern for the 833 children in the preK-3rd grade school. "We understand families will be dealing with how to handle these events on a very personal level. With our students at Village being so young, we will be leaving the decision on how to handle discussion with the children up to you as the parents," he wrote.

But he assured them that school counselors and staff were on standby to help any child experiencing apprehension on an individual basis. 

"I know you join us in keeping the families impacted by these horrible events in your thoughts at this difficult time," the principal said.

"If you have not done so already at least 100 times, please be sure to give your friends, family, and children a hug," Schillaci said.