Cormoniry IEGIONAT GAATIA SCHOOL IMIPORTANT: SIDE BY SIDE AND COLUMBUS PARENT FORUM SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 at 7pm (in the Columbus auditorium) WITH NORWALK CHIEF OF POLICE HARRY RILLING January 20, 2011 Dear Side by Side Families, Yesterday afternoon (Wed. 1/19}, at approxirnately 4pm, a shooting took place on Chestnut Street in close Proximity 0 our school. By ths time all busses had deparced and students being picked up had already been dismissed, Members of the Norwalk Police Department mecte immediate contact to inform us that the scene had been secured and that they would remain stationed on our property until all remaining students had been safely dismissed from Extended Day. Contrary to multiple media reports, neither Side by Side or Columbus school ever implemented a formal “lockdown.” Let me reassure you that no students or staff members of Side by side were in any danger at anytime. The safety of our students was personally and immediately chucked-upon after this incident took place. Additionally, communications regarding this incident and the necessary precautions required of our staff occured in a swift, effective and non-alarming manner. Today, there has been an increased presence by the Norwalk Police Department outside of both Side by Side and Columbus Schools. | have personally met with Police Chief Rlling, and | have spoken with the Administration of Columbus School and the Superintendent of Norwalk Schools. During our meeting, Chief Rilling outlined the details ofthe additional support and policing details, which will begin immediately outside of both Side by Side and Columbus Schools. Also, he encouraged all of us to support the police department by calling 203-854-3000 should we see any activity which we feel requires police attention. Most importantly in collaboration with the Norwalk Public Schools and the Norwalk Police Department, there will be a Parent Forum on Wednesday, January 26, at 7pm, in the Columbus auditorium. Parents and staff from both schools are invited to attend for the opportunity to meet with the Chief of Police and his staff. The purpose of this. ‘meeting will be to further discuss enhanced protection and to provide the opportunity for parents to ask ‘questions. All are encouraged to attend. The Side by Side staff and | held an emergency meeting this morning and will again be meeting early next week to review all school-wide safety and emergency protocols and procedures. When asked, as.a staff we will address students with the message that the incident yesterday had nothing to do with Side by Side and that our school is, and always will be, safe. We will also take this opportunity to remind all students of the emergency procedures we hhave in place, should they be necessary, and of the importance of taking such drills and practices seriously. Let me again reassure you that the staff of Side by Side takes the safety and security of our students as our top priority. An event such as yesterday is frightening forall of us. We are here to support you and your children in any and all concerns you may have. Should you have any further questions or need additional support, please ddon’t hesitate to contact our Social Worker, Marlene DeBellis, or me at any time. Thank you for your continued support and | look forward to seeing all of you at the parent forum on 1/26. Ge ue fatthew Nittoly Executive Director 10 Chestnut Street, Norwalk, CT 06854 (203) 857-0306/Fax (203) 838-2666 win, sidebysideschool.org