Regional Principal: We will Continue to Take All Necessary Steps to Ensure Safety

The following message was delivered as announcement to Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School students, faculty, and staff by Interim Principal John Hughes at 1:45 p.m. on Friday regarding the shooting at a elementary school in Connecticut. It in printed here in its unedited entirety.

“This is Mr. Hughes with an announcement for staff and students.

As many students and staff have internet access to varying degrees, I feel it is important to share what is unfortunately sad and disturbing news. News, that will be in the forefront of broadcasts and media reports in the days and months ahead. This morning there was a school shooting incident in Newtown, CT, which is approximately 11 miles from Danbury. The shooting took place in an elementary school with a significant number of people killed and wounded. News reports vary as to the details.

I want to let you know that we have checked all doors and access and that the Hamilton Police Department stopped by to make sure we were following our procedures for your safety. Please know that we do work to ensure a safe environment for you here at school.

Please be sensitive with this information as you head home today, especially with younger students and siblings on the school bus. Please keep the victims and those involved in this incident in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you."

We want to assure everyone that we will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff at all times.