We have worked with local and state law enforcement as well as with school districts from around the nation to be proactive, and we have made changes to our school safety practices. Videos created with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office will be shown to students in kindergarten through 12th grade during the first week of school.

Because children are at different developmental levels, we have created three separate videos appropriate for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-12.

We want to make sure parents have the opportunity to view these videos prior to school, and our hope is that families will have discussions with children about the importance of following procedures should an emergency arise.