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Dear Emery/Weiner Community,
This week marks the end of our fall semester, and while it should be a time of happiness (and hard work) as we're so close to winter break, we cannot help but think of the unthinkable loss at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut.
As you dropped your children at EWS this morning, you may have noticed our flags are at half mast in honor of the 26 victims. This terrible tragedy causes us to pause, hug our children and all our loved-ones, and remember just how precious life is. It is also an opportunity to assure you that we are constantly reviewing & enhancing our own security features. This is precisely why a few months ago we added the "driveway gate" near the security booth and recently begun locking the lobby doors that lead to academic classrooms, thus requiring all visitors to check in with the respective receptionists. In addition, we've modified our emergency evacuation procedures, which we test with all students and staff monthly; we're reviewing our lock-down procedures; we've bolstered security personnel and protocol during afternoons and evenings (especially on the east side of school, to better protect arts and athletic areas); and we've updated selectively-placed panic buttons. Notably, just prior to Friday's horrible shooting, we had decided to engage an outside firm for a complete "security audit," which we'll obviously do immediately.
In sum, while there's no full-proof way to secure our campus, please know that we're constantly vigilant of our responsibility to take care of your most valuable assets -- your wonderful children.
Stuart J. Dow Head of School |
