Dear Parents of Wyckoff Families,
The shooting and killing of innocent people, especially children in Parkland, Florida, Sandy Hook, Connecticut, or anywhere else, should shake us to our core and make our hearts break. On most mornings in Wyckoff, New Jersey, as we go off to school or work, we anticipate that we will be reunited with our loved ones in the evening. Tragically, for the families in Parkland, Florida this was not the case. Increasingly, even as statistics tell us that we may be safer than ever before, we feel less safe, more exposed, and more vulnerable.
As parents, we know that a shooting that occurs in a school makes us all feel even more vulnerable and helpless. Chief David Murphy and I wanted you to be aware that over the past several years, the Wyckoff Police Department and the Wyckoff School District have worked closely together to improve the overall safety and security in our schools. In addition to increased patrols, daily walk-throughs by patrol officers, table-top drills with our Building Crisis Teams, and monthly security drills, we communicate regularly at the administrative level on a variety of issues pertaining to safety and security. Our school staff and the Wyckoff Police Department are also trained in using specific technology to ensure efficient and dynamic communication in the event of an emergency. Additionally, we share the services of the Ramapo Indian Hills School District Security Coordinator, Charles J. Wolff, a retired Lieutenant with the New Jersey State Police and a Certified Homeland Protection Professional.
The Parkland, Florida case, like many other school incidents over the years, had fingerprints that were signs of possible future trouble. It is critical to look out for the well-being of each other and to that end, we would stress two main ideas: First, talk with your children about their own safety and the safety of others. If they have a concern or hear something of concern for others, she/he should find a teacher or counselor with whom to share that information. Second, if you as a parent hear something disturbing from your child, report it to the school or the Police Department. We always look into these situations. Simply, if you see or hear something, say something.
The well-being of the students in Wyckoff will always be our primary concern. The District is prepared to assist any child who may need support. We are looking for signs of distress in the children and suggest that you do the same. If you have questions, please reach out to me, Chief Murphy, or your child’s Principal.
Sincerely yours,
Richard D. Kuder Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
