Dear Families -
The Country Meadows community
extends our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and care to the families and victims
of the tragedy that struck in Connecticut today. This reminds us that life is fragile and this
also causes us to feel vulnerable. I
want to assure you that we feel more than prepared as to how to respond quickly
to ensure the safety of our students. At
Country Meadows and Woodlawn (and all other D96 schools), we have a number of
plans of action to respond to a variety of disaster situations that have been
developed through the collaborative efforts between District 96, Lake County
Sherriff's Office and Countryside Fire Protection District. We regularly review the plans and hold
practice drills throughout the year.
As I sifted through news reports
this afternoon, I read many stories of teachers reacting to noises that they
heard without hesitation by locking children in classrooms and bathrooms for
their safety. I am convinced that their
quick thinking to protect children was a result of drills similar to those that
we practice. I know that the staff at
Country Meadows would act just as quickly and stop at nothing to protect your
child. I am so proud of the staff in
Connecticut whose first instincts were to protect their students and I know
that our staff would do the same.
Our hearts are broken for the
community in Newtown, Connecticut. Staff
reflected this afternoon about the grief that this community is facing. It is unspeakable to know that they lost
children, friends, family, and colleagues.
These people are the very reason that we wake up each day and are
thrilled to go to work. We often call
each other our extended family and your children light up our lives. As we said goodbye to your children this
afternoon, we gave thanks knowing that they were safe and headed home to a
weekend with family.
In the posting below, you will
find information to support conversations with your children. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the
staff at Country Meadows. We are here to
answer any questions and provide any support that we can. Also,
please check Superintendent Schmidt's posting from this afternoon for a bit
more information.
My best,
Katie Schneider
Katie Schneider
