North Park Elementary Increases Security Measures

SAN BERNARDINO>> North Park Elementary School welcomed students back to school on Monday, April 17, as classes resumed exactly one week after the shooting that took the lives of teacher Karen Smith and student Jonathan Martinez, and wounded student Nolan Brandy. Parents of the students at the elementary were invited to a parent meeting on Thursday, April 13 from at Bob Holcomb Elementary School to discuss their concerns and voice their opinions. In response, the elementary school is taking additional steps to protect students and those on campus. On Friday, April 14, Dale Marsden, superintendent of the school district, said in a letter to parents that there would be a low-key presence of plain-clothes district police officers on campus, the district’s Crisis Counseling Team ready to support students and staff, and a new vetting system. “One of the most important and visible changes on campus will be a new buzzer entry system that will require office staff to vet visitors before opening the office door, which will remain locked during school hours,” Marsden said. “As requested by North Park parents and staff, effective Monday (April 17), visitors will not be allowed into the campus unless they are volunteers who have undergone the district’s fingerprinting and background-check process. Parents and guardians wishing to conduct regular school business, such as the early pick up of a child, will be required to present valid photo identification.” Marsden said all visitors are required to present valid photo identification and will be restricted to the school office. During the meeting on Thursday, April 13, Marsden commended the board members for their leadership and support and thanked North Park parents and students for their efforts. “Our North Park Elementary family has been tremendously supportive and understanding during this entire ordeal,” Marsden said. “We will continue to put our arms around North Park Elementary families and staff as we work hand-in-hand to make hope happen for them.” Many individuals and organizations have reached out to offer support for San Bernardino City Unified School District’s efforts to bring healing to the school and surrounding community. In response, the district’s Making Hope Happen Foundation established the Hope for North Park Elementary School fund to receive charitable contributions, according to a news release. Gifts to the fund will be used to assist North Park Elementary School in providing support that may include counseling for traumatized families, remodeling impacted facilities at the school, assemblies and activities to restore a sense of emotional security for students, and eventually college scholarships for students. Donations can be made at www.makinghope.org/northpark. “As we continue to heal from this heartbreaking event, we are gaining clarity about how to help our school family and community recover; however, we know there are many unforeseen needs that will arise,” Marsden said. “The Hope for North Park Elementary School Fund, through our Making Hope Happen Foundation, can help ensure we have quick access to resources when they are needed most, so response is never delayed.” While the district is coordinating with agencies throughout the region to identify resources, philanthropic support brings a powerful and more personal message of caring. “We have seen a real heart for helping emerge in San Bernardino and beyond,” said Sam Gibbs, President of the Making Hope Happen Foundation. “Giving to the Hope for North Park Elementary School Fund offers perhaps the most constructive charitable opportunity for people who want to give.” Proceeds from the Hope for North Park Elementary School Fund will be allocated in coordination with district leadership to support school and community recovery efforts that will be needed long after the news of the event has faded. For more information about the organization and the work it supports, visit www.makinghope.org or contact the San Bernardino City Unified School District Community Engagement Office at (909) 381-1294.