OCM BOCES Saddened by Tragic Events in CT

The terrible tragedy that occurred on Friday, December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut has created a tremendous sense of sadness and loss. It is a time when we hold our own children close while keeping the children, families and Newtown community in our thoughts and prayers.

Please be assured that keeping students and staff safe at Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES is a high priority. Building level safety plans are in place. Visitors must sign in and out of the buildings. We have safety committees that are continually evaluating our safety plans, policies and procedures. We are committed to putting the safety of our students at the forefront of our daily work.

Children will have different responses to this tragedy; many may have questions or concerns about what they are hearing on the news. For your reference, we have provided links to information regarding what schools can do to help students during this time.

Please be aware that our staff at OCM BOCES will be available for any support that is needed during this difficult time. OCM BOCES remains firmly committed to the safety of our students and staff.

• President Obama speaks at the memorial service (text of speech)
• National Association of School Psychologists message
• Washington Post's Remembering the Victims page
• NAESP's Report to Parents about dealing with tragedy
• New York Times Learning Network's Student Opinion page (where students can write a message)
• Larry Ferlazzo's collection of resources about Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy
• Larry Ferlazzo's collection of resources for talking with children about tragedy