Newtown Shooting: What Are Marion Schools Doing to Keep Children and Teachers Safe?

Marion Independent and Linn-Mar school leaders assure safe environments at our local schools, and plans in place to deal with intruder emergencies in school buildings.

Marion Independent Superintendent Sarah Pinion said the district has a lock-down plan in place for the district as well as each individual school. Students and staff practice the plans throughout the year, along with fire and severe weather drills, she said.

In the event of an emergency, parents would be notified through email and cell phones messages. Those who have not provided email or cell phone can be notifed through TV and radio communications, as well as updates on the district websites.

The actual lock-down procedures are not being publicized, which is a privacy protection allowed by state law, she said.

"The purpose of such plans is for our staff to know what to do but not have anyone who might want to disrupt or cause injury to be able to know and plan ways to get around our plans," Pinion said.

Crisis plans are currently being reviewed at Linn-Mar.

"In light of the recent tragedy in Connecticut and to be vigilant in our efforts, we have already begun reviewing our safety and security measures again," Linn-Mar Superintendent Katie Mulholland said in a message to parents. "Our families can rest assured that keeping our schools safe is a priority in our district."

There is a "comprehensive Crisis Management Plan" in place and it is reviewed regularly, she said.

The school has school counselors and the Student Assistance Team available during school hours to help students having difficulty processing the shooting. And the district provided these documents to help parents: Talking to Children and How to talk to your children about the shootings.