Local schools respond to shooting

Public school officials in Kootenai County responded to news of Friday's deadly shooting in Connecticut by reaching out to staff, students and parents to emphasize the presence of crisis response plans and offer guidance on how to help children process the tragic news.

"We advised staff that they need to be prepared to answer their (students') questions, especially at the secondary schools,"said Post Falls Superintendent Jerry Keane. "We also asked that the staff be ready to share information regarding how to communicate with children."

The district's website, which includes the emergency response plans for each Post Falls school, was updated Friday with information on how to discuss traumatic events with children.

Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug said his department and the school district work closely on security matters, holding frequent trainings. They have two school resource officers working in the schools.

At the Lakeland School District, a letter offering students support was sent home with students. Lisa Sexton, principal at Betty Kiefer Elementary, informed parents that the school practices lockdown situations monthly.

Coeur d'Alene parents were advised in a message sent to all parents that the district's emergency response plan is practiced regularly at all schools.

"Our staff plans, trains and prepares for a variety of emergency scenarios including lockdowns, evacuations, and unfortunately, active shooter situation," the message said.

The district has a strong relationship local first responders and trains regularly with law enforcement and fire personnel, and has school resource officers who are crucial to the school safety plans, the message stated.

Parents were also reminded that Skylert, Coeur d'Alene's new school emergency communication system, is now used to telephone, email and text message information directly to parents and guardians when a situation arises.

"With the national media attention on the tragedy in Connecticut children may be exposed to information and images about the school shooting and its aftermath. This tragedy will bring to light an opportunity to talk with your children," the email said. "We know this is a difficult topic but it is important for parents and guardians to reassure children, listen to their fears but not dwell on the details of this tragedy, especially with younger children."

The Coeur d'Alene district also shared with parents some tips from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry on how to help children cope with disasters or violence: "Use words and concepts children can understand. Give honest answers and information. Let your children know how you are feeling about the event, but don't burden them with your concerns. Be reassuring, but don't make unrealistic promises."