USC Staff Meeting Before Class Begins Monday Following Connecticut Tragedy

Upper St. Clair Superintendent Patrick O'Toole emailed another letter to local parents and guardians on Sunday:

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Before we return to school on Monday, I want you to know that the school staff will have met to discuss plans for addressing the needs of students and staff resulting from the horrific event in Connecticut on Friday. We will have also reviewed with the staff how best to address questions or concerns of students in a developmentally appropriate manner. It is important to remember that despite this recent tragedy, schools remain very safe places for children.

The district has also reviewed security protocols. At USC, we have dedicated a great deal of resources toward student and staff safety.  In cooperation with the township police, we have invested in additional security and ongoing training each year.

We recognize that one of the most powerful safety components any school can have is caring relationships between our students, staff and community. Safe schools also require vigilance. It is critical for everyone to report to police and/or school officials any unusual or questionable behavior of individuals.

Should you have any questions or information to share with the schools about your child's safety or his/her reaction to the recent tragedy, please contact your school principal, counselor or me.

I am attaching an additional document that offers tips for talking to children as well as some website links that may be helpful to you.

Restoring a Sense of Safety in Aftermath of Mass Shooting

Patrick T. O’Toole, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools