Local schools to increase security

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Administrators from several school systems will increase security at public elementary schools Monday in wake of the school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut.

Here is a list of schools taking extra measures on Monday:

York-Poquoson sheriff's deputies will have an increased presence at all schools. A letter was emailed to parents and posted on the school system's website Monday.

Suffolk Public Schools reported officials will do the following:

• Asking Suffolk police to increase their presence, particularly at elementary schools, both inside and outside the school building
• Asking school resource officers (Suffolk police) assigned to middle and high schools to increase their presence inside and outside the school building
• Directing principals to verify compliance with their school's current security procedures 
• Directing principals to discuss the school's crisis plan with faculty and staff
• Organizing external, police-supported safety audits of each building as a supplement to regular internal audits
• Encouraging all staff and parents to register for text messages and cell phone calls through the new School Messenger notification system  (Automated phone calls are automatically made to the main contact phone listed in the student database, which is typically the home phone.  Any communication during school-hour emergencies which should be directed to other phones must be registered through School Messenger.)

Portsmouth Public Schools has decided to have a heightened patrol presence in neighborhoods surrounding their pre-schools and elementary schools. Officers are already present inside the middle and high schools. 

Hampton Police told WAVY.com police will have an increased officer presence at all schools in the city. Officers are already present at middle and high schools.

The following was issued to parents with children in Isle of Wight County Schools:

"As a result of national concern following the recent tragedy at a Connecticut Elementary school, the Isle of Wight County Sheriff's Office has informed us there will be increased police presence in the County and around our schools.  If you know of a safety issue that may impact our schools, please report it to our School Issue Tipline at 757-357-0908 and as always, dial 911 to report all emergencies and imminent threats."

Virginia Beach school spokeswoman Lauren Wicks said sheriff's deputies will guard elementary schools throughout the day. In addition, Virginia Beach police officers will make routine visits to the schools.

Virginia Beach School workers sent an "Alert Now" phone message Sunday evening to all elementary school parents who enrolled into the system. The message said:

"This is an important message from Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Please be advised that beginning Monday you will see an increased presence of uniformed public safety personnel at our elementary schools. This is not the result of any threat against our schools. It is a precautionary measure only, prompted by the recent school tragedy in Connecticut. If your children ask questions about the presence of a police officer or sheriffs deputy at your school, please reassure them that people care about their safety. Please know that our school principals consider student and staff safety their highest priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's principal. As always, we thank you for your support."

Gloucester County Public Schools will review their security protocol Monday afternoon. The Division Superintendent, Ben Kiser, also says the school board plans to address their security protocols in January as well.

Norfolk Public Schools superintendent wrote a letter to parents. The school system plans to review their crisis plan, and they are asking all parents to make sure they have updated their contact information with the school. You can read the letter to parents here .

Williamsburg James City County School officials says schools hold safety drills during the school year that help our students and staff know what  they should do in the event of an emergency. Our schools also have crisis plans that are reviewed and updated annually, and trained staff is  available to help students when they need additional support.

The spokesperson for Newport News Public Schools, Michelle Price sent this message to parents:

"Like so many across our nation, the Newport News Public Schools' family is deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Sandy Hook  Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Each day in Newport News Public Schools, we focus on safety and security while we educate our students. In support of the initiatives already in place additional safety measures will be implemented this week: a security officer will be assigned to all  elementary schools, all schools will have increased police presence, and every school staff member will review their school's crisis management  plans.

Price