hopkinton-independent-logo2x
Hopkinton, MA
loader-image
Hopkinton, US
10:32 am, Sunday, December 22, 2024
temperature icon 13°F
Humidity 60 %
Wind Gust: 12 mph

SIGN UP TODAY!
BREAKING NEWS & DAILY NEWSLETTER





Police to have increased presence at Hopkinton schools after Texas shooting

by | May 27, 2022 | Education, Featured: Education

Following Tuesday’s shooting at an elementary school in Texas, Hopkinton will have an increased police presence at its schools, the superintendent and police chief announced Friday.

“We are devastated and sorrowed by the heartbreaking events that occurred in Uvalde, Texas, this week,” the statement from Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh and Police Chief Joseph Bennett reads. “We grieve for the lives lost, and our thoughts are with everyone in the Uvalde community impacted by this horrific violence.

“The Hopkinton Public Schools and Hopkinton Police Department have a positive and collaborative relationship that is centered on providing an environment for students and staff that prioritizes their safety, security and well-being.

“For the coming weeks, the Hopkinton Police Department will have an increased presence in all school buildings and during drop-off and pickup times, in addition to the usual school resource officer presence. There is no active threat against the Hopkinton Public Schools, and this heightened visibility is both out of an abundance of caution and to provide a safe and reassuring presence for members of the school community.

“Each school building has its own trained crisis response team and a developed crisis response guide providing procedures for administrators and staff to follow in an emergency, as well as guidelines for and information about the prevention of and preparation for emergency situations.

“All administrators, faculty and staff are also trained in ALICE active shooter response protocols — a combination of infrastructure, technology and personal action — as a response to any potentially armed intruder in a school building.

“Additional security measures at the schools include policies requiring all exterior doors to be closed and locked during the day, and double protection entryways in each building.

“District safety and security measures are reviewed regularly by a town-wide emergency management team and the district’s crisis response team. Hopkinton Police officers and school officials also regularly evaluate and practice emergency response plans to ensure they are comprehensive and functional. Officers are well-equipped and well-trained to immediately respond to and act during any active emergency event.

“The Hopkinton Public Schools and Hopkinton Police Department will work to support the community in any way possible in the aftermath of the tragedy in Texas. Anyone with concerns about school security is encouraged to contact police or school leaders.”

0 Comments

Related Articles

Proposed budget, adaptive playground top multi-board discussion

https://www.youtube.com/live/1ertJF_-C1w Though it appears Hopkinton is facing a $4.7 million operating budget deficit, Select Board chair Brian Herr said the town is at the very beginning of the process, and any talk about Proposition 2 1/2 overrides is premature...

Hopkinton Public Schools Administration sign

Geothermal testing, water infiltration among ESBC topics

The Elementary School Building Committee on Tuesday heard about an issue that came up during drilling for a geothermal test well at the Charleswood School site. Members also saw a presentation showing design updates at the 90% construction document phase. Vertex...

Charleswood School plan

School Committee picks consultant for superintendent search

At its meeting Thursday, the School Committee selected New England School Development Council as its consultant to help with the new superintendent search. Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh is retiring in June 2025. Chair Nancy Cavanaugh noted receipt of three “very...

Hopkinton Public Schools Administration sign

School principals outline budget proposals

During budget presentations to the School Committee on Thursday, school principals asked for increases in the substitute account across the board and highlighted personnel and expense requests in other cases. Marathon School Representing Marathon School, Principal...

Marathon School hallway

School Committee addresses superintendent search, school calendar

The School Committee on Thursday discussed plans to search for a new superintendent in the wake of Carol Cavanaugh’s impending retirement in June 2025. Members also addressed possible changes to the school calendar and the process they should undertake to gauge...

Hopkinton Public Schools sign

School Committee reviews proposed FY 26 budgets, grapples with requests

Budget presentations for fiscal year 2026 dominated Thursday night’s School Committee meeting. Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich introduced the process, showing data from previous years, including ‘actual spending’ numbers and how...

Hopkinton Public Schools Administration sign
Key Storage 4.14.22