She described how parents send their “most precious possessions” to school and expect them to be safe and innocent, and how horrible it is for someone to take that away. She added that someone has to be really disturbed to harm children.
“It is an absolute worst nightmare,” Hamilton said, “It sends shivers to all of our bodies.”
Police are on alert, and will be more visible around Stamford schools today, especially around dismissal times, Hamilton said. She also sent a memo to all of the principals reminding them to stay vigilant of people coming into the buildings.
Coincidentally, Hamilton met with all of the principals Thursday and stressed the importance of checking who is coming in and out of the buildings throughout the day with parents coming for various events connected with the holidays.
Since Sept. 11, Stamford Public Schools have beefed up security, keeping all doors locked and making people sign in with the main office, she said. The district also has put in place several different evacuation plans for various situations that may occur, she said.
John Perrotta, director of Safety and Security for the district and a former police officer, works with the principals and police routinely to make sure any necessary precautions are taken, Hamilton said.
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