Texas School Shooting: Ossining Educators Respond

OSSINING, NY — Ossining school district officials announced several steps taken in response to the spate of mass shootings in Buffalo, California and Texas.

The Emergency Response Team in each of Ossining's schools will meet Wednesday to discuss age-appropriate ways to assist children. The clinical staff will be available to speak with students and staff in need of additional support. Also, as a precaution, the Ossining police will be present at the schools.

The steps were announced by Superintendent Ray Sanchez in a morning letter to the community.

"These events strike fear in the hearts of every parent/guardian who sends their child to school each day," he said. "As school leaders, we earnestly want our Ossining community to know that the safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our highest priority. We work hand-in-hand with the Ossining Police Department and with our staff on issues of safety and security, and together, we are constantly refining our security procedures and regularly practicing our emergency drills (including lockdown and fire drills) with our students. I have absolute confidence in our district personnel and community partners to protect all who learn in, work at, and visit our campuses."

He asked parents to let their child’s teacher, counselor, clinician or principal know if the child is expressing any concerns or has questions regarding the recent events.

"Finally, it is important to remind each other that protecting our community requires active participation from everyone," he said. "If at any time, anyone in our Ossining community notes anything out of the ordinary, it is imperative that we bring it to the attention of authorities."

He offered these additional resources:

• Tips for talking to Children and Youth after Traumatic Events
• Talking To Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
• 10 Strategies for Talking to Children

Also, he said, if you are feeling distress, please contact Project Hope’s Emotional Support Helpline at 1-844-863-9314.

SEE ALSO

• Texas School Shooting: 19 Children Killed In Uvalde
• Buffalo Supermarket Shooting: 10 People Killed; 1 In Custody
• 5 Things To Know About The Laguna Woods Church Shooting