Schools
Hillsborough Superintendent Elia Sends Safety Message to School Employees
School employees received a telephone message from Hillsborough County Superintendent of Schools MaryEllen Elia concerning safety measures in place following the Newtown, Conn., massacre. Parents were sent a similar message.
Hillsborough County's superintendent of schools, MaryEllen Elia, sent a telephone message to school-based employees aimed to alleviate fears or concerns they might have concerning school safety in light of the school shooting massacre in Newtown, Conn., on Friday, Dec. 14.
- Elia also sent a separate telephone message to parents.
Here is the text of the supeintendent's message to school employees, sent Dec. 16:
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Hello, this is superintendent MaryEllen Elia, calling to talk about going back to schoool on Monday in light of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 20 children who lost their lives at Newtown on Friday, as well as the teachers, the principal, the pyschologist and the staff who literally gave their lives protecting the children in their care.
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Their actions speak volumes about the dedication of teachers and staff who work with children in schools around this nation.
On Monday we have an opportunity to convey to our students and parents that our schools are safe and secure places, where the students are surrounded by adults who care about them and their well-being.
I have spoken with Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee and Tampa police chief Jane Castor. We've been in contact with Plant City and Temple Terrace police, as well, who will work together with our school security staff to arrange for deputies and officers to play a more visible role on and around our campuses, especially our elementary schools.
I thank them for their assistance to our district and this community.
In addition, school psychologists, guidance counselors and staff will be available to students, parents or other staff members who would like someone to talk to.
As I said, we have an opportunity on Monday to convey an important message at a time when many parents and adults are looking for reassurance.
Thank you for everything you do for our school children.
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RELATED COVERAGE:
- Police Assigned to Hillsborough Schools Monday
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Check with the Newtown Patch for ongoing local coverage of the school shootings.
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