Marathon News

HOPKINTON — Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett and Hopkinton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Cavanaugh wish to share the following statement:

"We are devastated and sorrowed by the heartbreaking events that occurred in Uvalde, Texas this week. We grieve for the lives lost and our thoughts are with everyone in the Uvalde community impacted by this horrific violence.

"The Hopkinton Public Schools and Hopkinton Police Department have a positive and collaborative relationship that is centered on providing an environment for students and staff that prioritizes their safety, security and wellbeing.

"For the coming weeks, the Hopkinton Police Department will have an increased presence in all school buildings and during drop-off and pick-up times, in addition to the usual school resource officer presence. There is no active threat against the Hopkinton Public Schools and this heightened visibility is both out of an abundance of caution and to provide a safe and reassuring presence for members of the school community.

"Each school building has its own trained crisis response team and a developed crisis response guide providing procedures for administrators and staff to follow in an emergency, as well as guidelines for and information about the prevention of and preparation for emergency situations.

"All administrators, faculty and staff are also trained in ALICE active shooter response protocols -- a combination of infrastructure, technology and personal action -- as a response to any potentially armed intruder in a school building.

"Additional security measures at the schools include policies requiring all exterior doors to be closed and locked during the day, and double protection entryways in each building.

"District safety and security measures are reviewed regularly by a town-wide emergency management team and the district's crisis response team. Hopkinton Police officers and school officials also regularly evaluate and practice emergency response plans to ensure they are comprehensive and functional. Officers are well-equipped and well-trained to immediately respond to and act during any active emergency event.

"The Hopkinton Public Schools and Hopkinton Police Department will work to support the community in any way possible in the aftermath of the tragedy in Texas. Anyone with concerns about school security is encouraged to contact police or school leaders."