Lynbrook, Malverne Assure Parents of Security Plans After School Shooting [Updated]

School districts across the region are responding to the shooting tragedy in a Connecticut Elementary school with assurances that emergency preparations are in place and up to date.

The sad and shocking news spurred Lynbrook Schools Interim Superintendent Melissa Burak to release the following statement Friday, hoping to bring some comfort to the community in the wake of this senseless act.

"I would like to take a moment to express our deepest sadness for everyone suffering in Newtown, CT during this most difficult time.  I want to also let our community know that our schools have detailed safety plans and practice them regularly. We review our lockdown and lockout procedures and practice them so in the event we might unfortunately need to implement them, our students and staff will know how to react accordingly.  Safety is and has always been a priority for our students.  We will continue to review our plans and procedures and work in close contact with our local police authorities."

The Malverne School District will be conducting lock down and lock out drills this week at all its schools, according to a spokeswoman for the district. School officials have also been in touch with the Malverne Police Department, which accepted the district's invitation to conduct another round of active shooter drills in its buildings. School officials also released the following statement Saturday:

By now, we have all heard the news of the tragedy that occurred at the Elementary School in Connecticut and we all mourn the loss of life. Please know that we are in a heightened security posture and are ever vigilante to protect precious life. Please also know that we regularly exercise our security and safety plans with drills conducted throughout the school year in all of our schools. 

For those who would like assistance in discussing this incident with their children please refer to these guidelines from The National Association of School Psychologists titled, "Talking Tips about Violence: A Guide for Parents and Teachers." (Click here to view the document.) There was also a helpful article posted on the New York Times Web site (Click here to read it.) 

Please take the time to help your children appropriately process any information they may have heard ..  Also, please feel free to contact your building principals for additional assistance. 

This story was updated on Dec. 17 at 9:55 a.m.