Millburn Students’ Banner Supports Parkland Shooting Victims

MILLBURN, NJ — A pair of Millburn High School students wanted to show that they – and their school community – stood in solidarity with their peers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

So following the tragic mass shooting, MHS juniors Rayna and Hallie Katzman conceived of a simple message: “Stay Strong… Have Hope.”

Millburn Public School Superintendent Christine Burton recently shared news that the students designed a large banner that will be printed and sent to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as a sign of support from the Millburn community. (See a photo of the banner below)

On Friday, Burton issued the following message to the MHS community:

“On Monday, as students return from break, I want to assure you that our schools are ready to welcome them safely. We have spent time this week reviewing our security protocols and procedures. At Monday’s Board of Education meeting we will have a presentation from Security Director Michael Palardy and Millburn Police Detective Ed delaFuente who will share what they can about security in our schools. Please join us at 7:45 p.m. at the Education Center to learn more.

“We are fortunate to have a strong relationship with the Millburn Police Department, who work with us to ensure the safety of our schools and students. As a matter of fact, the police department was using our high school today for training, an exercise that was planned months ago. They drill in our schools often during vacations in order to prepare for emergencies.

“While we are confident in our security protocols and resources, as well as the training & drills that reinforce the safety at our schools, it is always possible to do more. As a result of our review, we will be introducing some safety enhancements, especially in regards to access to the building during the school day. We expect to tighten up procedures such as:

• Doors will be locked at all times.
• Limiting access to the school to visitors, including parents.
• Visitors will require an appointment, and upon arrival must announce their name and purpose for visiting
• Restrictions on dropping off forgotten items from home.

"We hope you will be understanding and abide by these and other controls that may be recommended in the future," Burton wrote. "As always, we encourage you to reach out if you or your children have any concerns. Our counselors and administrators are here to help."

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Photo: Millburn School District