Illuzzi Asks for Extra Police Presence This Week
In the long run, the school superintendent said, they will continue to work with the police department on safety measures.
Cinnaminson schools’ superintendent Salvatore Illuzzi said the district is putting immediate safety precautions in place in light of the Dec. 14 school shooting in Newtown, Conn., and will also continue talks for long-term measures.
Over the weekend, Illuzzi sent a letter to parents outlining school safety measures. Cinnaminson Patch spoke with Illuzzi this week about the issue further.
In the immediate, Illuzzi said he is requesting a police presence at New Albany School Wednesday and Thursday afternoons for the second-grade concert.
“Normally, we would not have done anything like that,” Illuzzi said, “ but given the school will be packed both times for the concert, we thought it would be a prudent thing to do.”
Also, Illuzzi said crisis drills would go on as planned.
According to the New Jersey Department of Education website, schools across the state must hold several security drills including bomb threat, lockdown and active shooter events each year.
“In the long run,” Illuzzi added, “we will continue our discussions with our township police.”
Police officers visit each school at least once a day and Illuzzi said officers have “increased their presence in our schools.”
As far as hardware goes, the district is equipped Illuzzi said. Cameras, monitors, ID cards and locks are at each building. Every single classroom in the district has a “columbine” lock; once a room door is closed, it can only be opened from the inside.
“Nobody else in three states has those,” Illuzzi said.
It’s the “human element” Illuzzi said needs to be continually talked about in safety discussions.
And finally, in all buildings, crisis counselors and guidance counselors are readily available in times of need.
To read more about safety precautions at Cinnaminson schools, click here to read Illuzzi’s letter home to parents.
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dajoepa75
7:08 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The "human element" needs to include more awareness by faculty, administrators and even students of other students who may be "in need" of assistance. It's not the shining stars of the school or even the troublemakers. Those students who "fall through the cracks" as my child's counselor said about my own child years ago at CHS. Those students who aren't noticed in class may be those who need the most help and need to be reached out to. It's enforcing the antibullying laws so no child starts to feel rage or anger at being alone. We all need to be aware of those who may need mental or emotional help now.
Dan Reynolds
8:14 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Bingo.
Pundit
9:47 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Very well said. Every chid wants to feel welcome, wanted and understood.
John
1:02 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Yes, your right, some kids are more out going and some are not that way, an indicator of problems either at home or within him or her....good job
Fran Zarnawski
9:44 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Is there a specific threat that we as parents need to know about, that would warrant extra police? I understand about the tragedy in Connecticut, but extra police for a school concert is alarming.
FbS
9:58 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
well said joepa.
Christina Paciolla
10:48 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Fran—and others:
I called Superintendent Illuzzi to talk about security measures in wake of the tragedy in Newtown. This is what we talked about. There are no and have been no threats I am aware of: Dr. Illuzzi said he wanted to take precaution—just as every single other district in the country is doing in the weeks following the Newtown shooting.
Parents would have seen police when they went today, so another reason is us letting people know there is no incident, just a precaution.
If you have any questions regarding the article, contact me. But some are contacting me asking about threats and police—questions I cannot answer.
Fran Zarnawski
1:46 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Ok thanks, for your quick response.
Fran Zarnawski
1:51 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Just realize that an article floated out there without specifying why, is going to raise . questions "Normally, we would not have done anything like that,” Illuzzi said, “ but given the school will be packed both times for the concert, we thought it would be a prudent thing to do.”
Malia A.
10:08 am on Saturday, December 22, 2012
As an educator myself, I feel that having police presence is one more way to provide safety in these uncertain times. I am glad that our district has taken precautions to keep our kids safe. As parents, we also need to realize that teachers and staff keep our kids safe by questioning adults entering school buildings to make sure that those individuals are in the school buildings legitimately and have checked in with office staff. Parents should not be offended or even get angry when teachers do question them. It is one more way we keep our children safe.