Schools in Atlanta were put on a heightened alert Friday as a result of the mass killing in Connecticut. FOX 5's Morse Diggs spoke with the chief of school security and with parents as they picked up their kids from Morningside Elementary School.
Though Friday's tragedy happened hundreds of miles away, school officials say they know it's important for them to tighten security locally. School security chief Marquenta Sands said the district raised their security level to heightened after the mass shooting in Connecticut was reported just to remind their administrators and staff to remain vigilant. She told FOX 5 the district has emergency management plans in place, and all of their staff has been trained on how to handle emergent situations.
Parents waiting for their kids outside of Morningside Elementary School on Friday said they would squeeze their students a little tighter when they got them home. Many parents told FOX 5 their
hearts hurt for the families of the children and adults killed in
Connecticut. They say the tragedy has
shattered their belief that schools are a safe haven for kids, and they know that
something like that could happen in any city—even theirs.
Monday, December 17 2012 9:22 AM EST2012-12-17 14:22:54 GMT
The tragedy that took place in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday is hard for adults to process, but it's even worse for children.
The tragedy that took place in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday is hard for adults to process, but it's even worse for children. Some parents spent their weekend trying to figure out how to discuss the shootings with their kids, and those talks will likely continue.
Monday, April 8 2013 12:51 PM EDT2013-04-08 16:51:11 GMT
The schoolchildren are remembered for their love of horses, or for the games they couldn't get enough of, or for always saying grace at dinner. The adult victims found their life's work in sheltering little ones.
The schoolchildren are remembered for their love of horses, or for the games they couldn't get enough of, or for always saying grace at dinner. The adult victims found their life's work in sheltering little ones.
Monday, December 17 2012 7:24 PM EST2012-12-18 00:24:59 GMT
The U.S. Postal Service has set up a special post office box for people to send letters of condolence to the Newtown, Conn. community shaken by Friday's deadly shooting.
The U.S. Postal Service has set up a special post office box for people to send letters of condolence to the Newtown, Conn. community shaken by Friday's deadly shooting.
Sunday, December 16 2012 5:12 PM EST2012-12-16 22:12:13 GMT
Pope Benedict XVI told pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that he is praying for the families of the 20 children and six adults who were killed during a shooting rampage.
Pope Benedict XVI told pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that he is praying for the families of the 20 children and six adults who were killed during a shooting rampage.
Saturday, December 15 2012 7:35 PM EST2012-12-16 00:35:51 GMT
Investigators tried to figure out what led a bright but painfully awkward 20-year-old to slaughter 26 children and adults at a Connecticut elementary school.
Investigators tried to figure out what led a bright but painfully awkward 20-year-old to slaughter 26 children and adults at a Connecticut elementary school.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.