Community Corner
Safety Protocols Activated In West Orange Schools After TN Shooting
School Super: "I want to assure you that I am once again taking this situation very seriously, and we have activated our safety protocols."
WEST ORANGE, NJ -- West Orange School Superintendent C. Lauren Schoen said that the district's local safety protocols have been activated in the wake of a fatal school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.
On Monday, a heavily armed shooter opened fire inside a private Nashville school, killing six people before being fatally shot by police. Police identified the victims in The Covenant School shooting as Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old, and Katherine Koonce, 60; Cynthia Peak, 61; and Mike Hill, 61. Koonce was head of the school. Hill was a custodian and Peak was a substitute teacher, according to authorities. Read More: Nashville School Shooter Had Maps Of Building, Shot Through Door
On Monday evening, Schoen issued a statement about the West Orange Public School District's response to the tragedy. Schoen wrote:
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"I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to reach out regarding the tragic school shooting that took place in Nashville, Tennessee earlier today. I am heartbroken to hear about this devastating event, and my thoughts go out to all those affected. I want to assure you that I am once again taking this situation very seriously, and we have activated our safety protocols. In addition, I have been in contact with West Orange Police Chief Abbott, who has confirmed that police presence is available as needed. Understanding that these types of events can be incredibly stressful and concerning, especially for our youngest community members, I'm once again sharing updated resources and considerations that may be helpful for parents, guardians, and caregivers in supporting their children during this difficult time which can be accessed through this link: https://bit.ly/3yXR32y."
"Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns," Schoen concluded. "We are here to support you and your family in any way we can."
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