Campus Safety: Our No. 1 Priority

As all of us very likely did when we learned of the tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School, we at Darlington had very heavy hearts as we contemplated how this horrific event would impact our work here on campus. The media coverage commanded our attention for days and now, as we return to school this week, the very serious issue of campus safety remains our number one priority.

Darlington prides itself as being a warm and inviting learning environment, but one that is also safe. In 2010, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) recognized Darlington School for adopting an approved safety plan, which is updated annually and continues to be visible and easily accessible in all classrooms, offices and residence halls. In the days ahead, you are going to see some changes regarding identification and security that may seem inconvenient to you as parents. Please understand that these short-term solutions are necessary, and rest assured that we will never lose sight of our responsibility to ensure the safety of the adults and children on our campuses.

Most importantly, an Ad-Hoc Committee for Campus Safety and Procedures made up of faculty and staff representing all divisions – many of whom are also current and former parents – has been appointed to ask the difficult questions, delve into the issues, review and expand our current crisis plan, and make recommendations to the administration. We intend to schedule a site visit by the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency and other local authorities, and work hand in hand with them as we adjust our procedures. Administrators also plan to meet with representatives from our peer independent schools in Atlanta in the coming weeks to talk as a group about safety issues.

Our goals are: (1) To build on the work that has already been done and enact a more thorough plan to maximize the safety of each and every student and employee on both campuses of our school and (2) To practice our action plan regularly so that our community members respond appropriately in an emergency situation.

I have already received email suggestions from some of you and I thank you for your thoughtful input. We welcome your opinions and, as of right now, nothing is off the table. In closing, rest assured that as a community, we are committed to immediate action as we work toward the safest possible Darlington School.