Updated: Grayslake Area Schools React to Connecticut School Shootings

Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT could be any school in our Grayslake community, and right now they are devastated by the horrific scene left in the wake of a gunman who reportedly killed 27 people Friday morning, the majority being young children.

Local schools react

Patch reached out to Grayslake area schools for their reaction to this tragedy.

This afternoon, Grayslake High School District 127 conducted a moment of silence before students were released for the day.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and the entire community in Newton, CT. We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and ended the school day with a moment of silence in honor of the victims and their families," said D127 Supt. Catherine Finger.

Finger said school counselors will be available to support students as they end the semester next week together.

Regarding school safety, Finger said, "The health and safety of each and every student is our highest priority."

"While there is no plan that can totally prevent a random act of senseless violence like this, D127 has a school safety plan in place that has been reviewed by law enforcement authorities and practiced by faculty and staff.”

District 46 posted on its Website that emergency procedures are in place in each of its seven schools.

"Each school regularly practices emergency evacuation, shelter-in-place, and lock-down drills and remains in close communication with local fire and police departments about those procedures."

Woodland District 50 Superintendent Joy Swoboda said the district's thoughts were with the victims and their families. She too reflected on school security.

"Safety is our number one priority with our students and staff. We have comprehensive crisis procedures in place in the event of emergencies. These procedures are consistently practiced and evaluated with our staff, students and administrators in conjunction with the Gurnee Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff's Office," said Swoboda.

"As with any incident, there are always lessons learned. As those emerge, our procedures will be reviewed to implement those lessons learned as appropriate."

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