Pasadena ISD Reaffirms Student Safety After Florida Shooting

PASADENA, TX — The Pasadena Independent School District is joining with other school districts in the Houston area, and providing outreach and critical information in the days following a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 people dead.

On Feb. 15, the day after former student Nikolas Cruz took 17 lives, Pasadena ISD Superintendent DeeAnn Powell posted a letter on the district’s web page, expressing remorse for the tragedy, and informing parents that their children were safe when they are at their campuses.

“No family should ever have to experience the loss of a child. An event of this magnitude affects us deeply because our children are precious to us and deserve to feel safe, especially in their school,” Powell said in her statement. “Pasadena ISD and the Pasadena ISD police department are committed to ensuring the safety of our staff and students.”

As a result of this latest school shooting, Pasadena ISD and other school districts are reviewing their safety and security protocols to ensure student safety at all times.

In Pasadena ISD, the district has adopted the nationally recognized approach to handling a crisis based upon ALICE training:

• Alert
• Lockdown
• Inform
• Counter
• Evaluate

As part of this concept, Pasadena ISD campuses are continually participating in various drills so that all staff and students are prepared in the event of an emergency.

These drills include:

• Lock-down drills
• Fire drills
• Shelters in place
• Active shooter drills

“Our responsibility to protect your child in our care is something we take very seriously,” Powell said.

For tips on talking with your children about this tragedy, you can find tips and resources here.

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