PUSD “Horrified” By Connecticut School Shooting

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Chief Academic Officer and Administrator in Charge Dr. Brian McDonald issued the following statement regarding the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut Friday:

“All of us in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) are horrified by the tragedy that occurred today in Newtown, Connecticut. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School.”

“The safety of our students is the top priority at PUSD. The district takes many precautions to ensure that students remain safe while at school. All schools have school safety plans that detail the proper response to a variety of emergency scenarios. Students participate in shelter in place and other emergency drills several times a year. PUSD campuses are closed campuses and any visitors to a school are required by state law to register when walking onto campus. The district has a zero tolerance policy regarding weapons on campus. PUSD can also activate its emergency operations center at a moment’s notice to coordinate emergency response efforts. Finally, we maintain a very close relationship with the Pasadena Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the Sierra Madre Police Department to provide immediate assistance should any problems arise.”

“Crisis counseling and support is available to PUSD students in the wake of this tragedy. Although there is no threat to any PUSD campus, all principals have been instructed to take precautionary measures to ensure student safety. We also encourage staff and principals to re-familiarize themselves with emergency and security policies in light of this incident.”

“To keep people informed in an emergency, the district is able to send critical information via text message. Text PUSD to 888777 to receive this service from the district.”

“PUSD recognizes the tremendous trust that parents place in us when they send their children to school each day. We take this responsibility very seriously. I want to reassure students and parents that our schools are safe.”

“Please join me and the entire PUSD family in mourning the loss of the innocent victims in this senseless tragedy.”