Boston Schools Taking Security Steps In Wake Of CT Shooting Massacre
BOSTON (CBS/AP) - Parents across the country were trying to quell their children's fears about returning to school Monday for the first time since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. School administrators have pledged to add police patrols, review security plans and make guidance counselors available.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Art Cohen reports
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In an effort to ensure their students' safety and calm parents' nerves, school districts across the United States have asked police departments to increase patrols and have sent messages to parents outlining safety plans that they assured them are regularly reviewed and rehearsed.
And yet, it was pretty near impossible for parents not to be anxious and apprehensive following Friday's violence.
In Boston, school officials are taking steps to prepare for the opening of school.
Boston Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson says the city will be on higher alert
"We will be activating more of our mobile police force," Johnson said. "We're working very closely with the Boston police department and they have agreed to have more of a presence."
Boston schools psychologist John McDonald says his office will also deploy extra personnel.
"We have about 70 people employed our behavioral health department – a variety of psychologists, social workers, and behavioral specialists. So we're asking each one of them to choose two schools to go over and check in with on Monday morning," McDonald said.
Many schools will be holding a moment of silence Monday and will fly flags at half-staff.
(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
