In Wake of Newtown, Ringing Bells and School Security Review in Decatur

The school killings in Newtown, CT, have reverberated throughout the United States, including Decatur and Avondale Estates.

Two things are happening in the community.

The City of Decatur is urging churches to ring bells 26 times at 9:30 a.m. Friday in memory of the twenty children and six adults who lost their lives.

The Decatur Minute website says, "If you have no bells to ring, then please pause at 9:30 a.m. on Friday to think about the 26 victims of this tragedy and those who knew and loved them."

Churches in Avondale Estates are expected to participate as well.

Meanwhile, City Schools of Decatur Superintendent Phyllis Edwards sent an email Thursday saying that school security plans will be reviewed in coming weeks. The letter says in part,

In light of the tragedy in Connecticut, we are implementing a mid-term review of our safety plans. I have provided each principal with a Safety Assessment Instrument from the Georgia Department of Education that is a self-assessment of procedures and facilities. When we return from the holiday break, we will examine the assessments and make any recommended modifications to our plans and facilities to promote an even more secure school environment.

Principals will be communicating with families regarding safety items specific to their schools. There will also be some school safety meetings happening at various schools/locations across the district. Please look out for additional information.

As we review our safety plans and procedures, we've determined ways that parents and visitors can help insure that our schools are safe and that parents are receiving the most up-to-date information:

• Please be patient with school staff who may question your identity and why you are in the building.
• Please enter through the front door of all school buildings and sign in with the office.
• Make sure your contact information in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal is correct so that we may contact you in case of an emergency.
• Subscribe to school and district eblasts at http://www.csdecatur.net/subscribe/ and "like" CSD on Facebook to receive timely news.