Udated: Elmbrook Schools Have Emergency Protocols In Place

The hearts of every parent in Brookfield probably sank this morning at the horribly sad news of a mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut.

"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School," said Mark Hansen, the superintendent of the Elmbrook School District.

"With such horrific details like what happened today, our immediate thoughts go to the well-being of our own children."

Hansen said that the school district collaborates with surrounding police departments and law enforcement agencies in assessing security and safety protocols.

Each of the school buildings in the district has an emergency protocol in place, which were created collaboratively with law enforcement officials. During the last few weeks school officials have met with law enforcement to review those protocols, according to Hansen.

"The protocols cover a number of different scenarios, including preparedness of such senseless acts as we witnessed most recently at Sandy Hook," Hansen said. "The kids that we are charged with educating are also kids that we need to keep safe."

According to Newtown.patch.com, a gunman shot and killed 27 people including 18 children at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT this morning.

Hansen said staff throughout the school district have been made aware of the incident.

"I know that I will hug my kids a little tighter tonight," Hansen said. "I know that events like this make us appreciate our kids even more."

President Barack Obama said Friday afternoon that he had spoken to Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy and said the federal government would "offer every single resource that he needs to investigate this heinous crime, care for the victims, counsel their families."

In his remarks, Obama also referenced the August mass shooting at an temple in Oak Creek when he said:

"As a country, we have been through this too many times. Whether it’s an elementary school in Newtown, or a shopping mall in Oregon, or a temple in Wisconsin, or a movie theater in Aurora, or a street corner in Chicago — these neighborhoods are our neighborhoods, and these children are our children.  And we're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics."

Friday afternoon State Superintendent Tony Evers said his heart and prayers go out to the victims of the tragic shooting and their families.

"Also in my heart and prayers are all the students, parents, and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut," Evers said in a statement. "For them and for the whole community of Newtown, I offer our support as they cope with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. Their lives and their community have been changed forever.

“These will be difficult times for parents and school children everywhere, including in Wisconsin. We must support and care for our children as they hear about this tragedy and try to understand that which is incomprehensible and senseless.”