Special Bulletin - The Aftermath - Sandy Hook

Following the recent Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in Connecticut, we step back to reflect on lessons learned from these puzzling events.  Schools across the country have known for some time that extraordinary measures are necessary to enhance the protection of children whose parents entrust their safety...their lives...with school staff and administrators.  The safety of our children, and those who are responsible for their safety, should not be dependent on the money available to buy sophisticated electronics and other protection measures.   A comprehensive protection plan is a must for all institutions.  Most educational, public, and cultural institutions that we have visited have initiated some level of improved protection following similar tragic incidents.   Absolute, foolproof protection is difficult, if not impossible to achieve.  Much depends on the immediate actions and reactions of staff.  The composition of a comprehensive plan, steps to be enacted by institutions of all size and scope, and guidelines for training staff, are available from several sources.  We encourage administrators to act now...before another event occurs.