Practical Things
Dear Friends:
Our hearts are still aching from the nightmare that took place last Friday in Newtown CT. We mourn for the precious innocent souls that were taken away and we pray for the families who lost loved ones.
In the midst of sadness, there are some practical things we must consider. We must focus on and increase our commitment to keeping the Chabad Jewish community center safe. The following is not meant to alarm you or make you more anxious than you already are, it is simply to let you know that at Chabad we are constantly aware of our surroundings, and that our approach is proactive, especially when it comes to the security of our children. We are committed to providing an ongoing and updated safe, secure, and healthy environment for our children. Here are a few security measures we will take.
1. We have recently added and upgraded additional security surveillance cameras which cover the perimeter and entire outside of Chabad & Preschool of the Arts facility. If there is anyone who would like to help with additional security cameras please let us know. We would love to schedule a meeting with you.
2. We will remove the cones and be vigilant about not propping our gates open at any time.
3. We have met with Officer Bill Gonzalez, and have completed a preliminary security assessment of our facility. Officer Bill has also met with teachers and staff for training and our new security policies will be in effect as soon as possible. More information will be coming your way soon!
4. We met with our gate/security company to ensure that all the exterior doors to the Preschool, including the door to the playground as well as Pre-K Picasso's class, will always be locked.
5. We will be meeting with security professionals to seek ways to improve existing security. If there is anyone that would like to help, or who is trained in these matters, please let us know.
As you are well aware, increased security may bring added inconvenience to our daily routine. However, renewed demands on your patience that may result are a small price to pay for peace of mind.
We are constantly reviewing and upgrading ways and means of improving what we do and how we do it, and are always open to hearing from trained professional people who may be part of our Preschool family, with expertise in these areas, keeping our Preschool of the Arts family safe is everyone's responsibility.
If you have any questions feel free to reply to this email or call us at 239.262.4474
Sincerely,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos
Arthur M. Seigel, M.D. President