Gwinnett County Public Schools officials are increasing security efforts at their schools after the shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder on Wednesday. Although the shooting happened in Barrow County, it is in GCPS’ backyard.
GCPS officials said they expected the proximity and the fact that it happened in a school to have an impact on Gwinnett’s students and staff. As a result, Gwinnett School Resource Officers are currently upping their efforts around GCPS’ schools.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic school shooting that took place in Barrow County today,” GCPS said in a statement. “While this incident did not directly involve our district, we understand it may cause concern and anxiety.
“Please know that we are taking this situation very seriously. In close partnership with local law enforcement, our School Resource Officers have increased patrols around our schools to ensure that our students and staff feel secure.”
In addition to increased security efforts, GCPS will be making counselors and other staff available to talk to students who are upset by the shooting and need support.
Gwinnett school officials said the incident at Apalachee underscores the need for parents to talk with their students about school safety.
The district is asking parents to talk to their children about quickly reporting any safety issues they see at their school. GCPS’ comprehensive safety plan calls for partnering with local law enforcement, implementing security enhancement and undertaking lockdown drills.
But district officials said school safety requires help from parents and students in addition to the work done by staff.
“We remain vigilant, monitoring our procedures, and we are ready to adapt to any new challenges that may arise,” Gwinnett schools officials said. “However, we cannot do this alone.
“We kindly ask for your support in speaking with your student(s) about the importance of reporting anything they see or hear that might be concerning or might pose a threat to our school community.”
Anyone who has information about security concerns can anonymously submit tips through the “GCPS Tips” mobile app. They can also go to P3Campus.com/5105 or send a text message to 738477.
Credit: Gwinnett Daily Post
Credit: Gwinnett Daily Post
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