Green Country Schools Respond To Florida Shooting

After a deadly school shooting left a Florida community rattled, schools across Green Country are releasing statements regarding their protocol for such a horrific event. 

In an interview with the Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, Deborah Gist said, "we have very strong emergency plans in place in our district, but every time a situation like this happens it is a moment where we must review those and make sure we have those as tight as they can possibly be to keep people's children safe at school every day."

2/15/2018 Related Story: TPS Reviewing Its Plan In The Event Of School Shooting

In a statement, Charlie Hannema with Broken Arrow Public Schools said, "the safety and security of our students and staff is without question our highest priority."

Jenks Public Schools released this statement. 

On behalf of the students and employees at Jenks Public Schools, our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the victims and the families of the tragic school shooting in Florida. At Jenks Public Schools, our staff members and administrators continuously evaluate safety procedures and protocols. All JPS employees are trained in how to act in the event of a school shooting or other emergency. Jenks Campus Police officers maintain a constant and very visible presence at our school sites, and the safety and security of our students and staff members is always the number one priority.

- Rob Loeber, Director of Communications, Jenks Public Schools

The Headmaster of Monte Cassino released this statement which can also be found on their website.

Good Morning,

I tell Maggie and TJ that I have two jobs as their Dad, the first is to keep them safe and the second is to help them make good decisions. When my kids ask me what I do at Monte Cassino School I tell them that it is the same, keep the school safe and help us make good decisions. In light of the very tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida yesterday I wanted to reach out and assure everyone in the Monte Cassino School community that our first priority is safety. In December, we did tabletop drills with Jacob Thompson from the Tulsa Police Department and in January our management team reviewed and updated our procedures for an intruder on campus. We drill regularly and most importantly, work to instill our Benedictine Values in all we do to create a caring, faith-based culture at MCS.

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said, "It's a horrific, horrific day, just pray for this city. Pray for this school, the parents, the folks that lost their lives." Please join me in praying for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas community and the victims, their families and friends. Let’s also pray for the safety of all schools and students and an end to senseless and tragic violence in schools.

God Bless you,

Kevin M. Smith

Headmaster

Union Public Schools released a statement Friday, February 16, 2018, saying:

We are terribly saddened by the news of the school shooting in Florida on Wednesday and we mourn with those who have lost children, teachers and family members in this senseless act of violence. 

Union Public Schools takes the safety and security of our students very seriously, and as a district, we will continue to reflect on and review our own practices and procedures.  First and foremost, it is critical that we always be CONNECTED to our students. Union teachers, staff and security officers interact daily and forge relationships with our students so they feel comfortable sharing their concerns. We take all rumors and reports of potential violence very seriously. Union has a Safe Schools Hotline where students, parents and others in the community can provide anonymous tips via phone, email or text.  These are all investigated by our Director of Security and other administrators, regardless of the time they come in.  We are also aggressive in our efforts to monitor social media, as posts can often alert us to potential threats where we can intercede.  In addition, there are many other security measures currently in place.

Union has emergency plans on file with state and local safety personnel including law enforcement.  These plans are reviewed and updated annually.  We have mandatory drills and scenario training where we prepare for all kinds of emergencies, including an active shooter situation.  Union has a well-trained, armed, full-time security force with officers stationed on campuses throughout the district who are prepared to eliminate a threat to our students and staff.  We also have Broken Arrow Police Department (BAPD) and Tulsa Police Department (TPD) officers who work for the district every day.  Through a strong partnership with local law enforcement and open communication with our students, staff, and parents we will continue to work together to keep our schools safe.