STUDENTS RETURN TO MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
FOR A CALM DAY OF LEARNING

District Observance to be Held Tomorrow

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) students experienced a calm day of learning today, following Friday’s shooting tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  Flags flew at half-mast, special announcements were made, and a moment of silence was observed in honor of the students and educators who lost their lives. 
Counselors were available to students and staff who needed their services.   An automated telephone message was sent to homes last night to inform parents of plans for today.

M-DCPS has its own full-service police department and a full complement of security monitors at every school. Even though every school has a site-specific emergency plan, all security protocols are constantly being reviewed, including municipal first responder collaboration. Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho has directed all principals to ensure that lockdown and evacuation drills be emphasized and conducted at all schools. While the safety of students is a priority, it is a shared responsibility, and in the weeks ahead, the school district will be working to convene a meeting of local law enforcement agencies to further enhance collaboration on safety and security plans for schools. 

Students, educators and the public who observe suspicious activity in or around schools are encouraged to call 305-995-COPS.

Tomorrow, an observance will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the School Board Administration Building, 1450 NE 2 Avenue, in remembrance of Friday’s victims.  A moment of silence will be held at 9:40 a.m., the time of Friday’s tragedy.  School Board Chair Perla Tabares Hantman, Board Members and Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez are scheduled to attend.

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12-JJS/568

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