Pelham School Officials React to CT School Shooting

The nation's attention turned on Newtown, CT, today after a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary School this morning, killing 20 children and six adults before taking his own life.

Pelham School District Superintendent Dennis Lauro Jr, sent a letter Friday afternoon on behalf of the district to all parents expressing condolences and giving guidance to parents concerned about comforting their children's anxities about the incident.

"We are all deeply saddened by the tragic news coming out of Newtown, Connecticut today.  The senseless loss of life is unimaginable, and our thoughts are with the families, children, and staff of the Newtown community.

While it was important to us that we maintain a regular day of school for our students, we immediately secured each of our six schools.  We contacted both the Pelham Police Department and Pelham Manor Police Departments, who assured us that the situation in Pelham was safe.  As a precautionary measure, both police departments agreed to place a police presence at dismissal at each school. " 

Lauro's letter also explained that Pelham police have dispatched a detail for all school dismissals today and that counseling teams will be available for students at Pelham Middle School and Pelham Memorial High School.