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Guilford Public Schools React to Newtown Throughout Week

For schools all across the country, Monday, December 17th was particularly tough to resume a typical school day.

In an effort to make students, staff, and families feel comfortable, Guilford Public Schools has requested an increase in police patrolling for all seven schools throughout the week.

“We have worked with the Guilford Police and we do have increased police presence around the buildings all through the week,” Superintendent Paul Freeman said. “We’ve asked them to increase their patrols and increase their visibility on campus just to help people really feel secure with coming back this week.”

The biggest concern for administrators this week is making sure the children are emotionally comfortable being in a school setting after the tragic elementary school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown last Friday morning. Freeman said Monday went very well for the public schools, with staff responding exceptionally to the students’ needs.

He also noted principals met Tuesday morning to review safety procedures and to make sure the schools are following such guidelines and to offer suggestions to possible modifications.

The Guilford Public Schools website has a large amount of information for residents interested, with links to the National Association of School Psychologists about talking to children about violence and the American Psychological Association with helping children manage distress.

Other information includes daily updates from Freeman and a statement released from Board of Education Chair William Bloss.

The superintendent also explained that he has reached out to Newtown school system.

“I have offered any kind of staffing support we can offer to Newtown. At this point they really haven’t had an opportunity to take us up on that, but should they have any need, Guilford will make counselors or school psychologists or social workers available for support them in their schools,” said Freeman.

All residents are encouraged to attend the public forum and school safety on Thursday, December 20th at 7 p.m. at the Guilford High School auditorium. An open conversation will be held with the opportunity to voice concerns and questions. 

Head to www.guilford.k12.ct.us to get up-to-date information on how Guilford Schools are handling this situation.