Parents Talk About School Security Concerns

Kate Ryan, WTOP Radio

SANDY SPRING, Md. -- What can you do to make sure your child is safe?

It's a question that's become harder to answer in the wake of two killings at or near Montgomery County schools. But principals and security officials are doing their best to answer it.

At a community forum at Sherwood High Monday night, parents got the chance to question school leaders and to offer suggestions. Sherwood Principal John Yore says it's been a long, hard day.

"I wish I could guarantee that nothing horrible could ever happen. I wish I could make that guarantee. It hurts me because I can't."

A Rockville high school student was stabbed and killed last Friday night in the parking lot of Silver Spring's Blake High School. A student from Sherwood is being held in that killing.

Among the ideas being considered to prevent future violence? No more night football games. Blake High School Principal Carole Goodman says that might be just one alternative.

Yore says right now, everything's on the table.

Teachers were briefed before classes Monday -- and throughout the day -- counseling was offered to students who needed it. One teacher said she was able to work in some instruction, but said the day had a "weird" feel to it.

Yore sent a letter home to parents, and over the public address system thanked the students.

"Students, I want to commend you for the manner in which you conducted yourselves today. It's just further evidence of the pride that I have in each one of you, and the pride that I have in our school."

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