Today,we arewriting to ask for your help with an issue of the upmost importance- the safety of our children in the Newington Public Schools.We believe that it is our responsibility as parents to appeal to our town officials to take every reasonable step to keep our schools safe. There are many ways this can be accomplished. However, the placement of a school resource officer (SRO) at both middle schools and all 4 elementary schools would provide immediate and effective protection for our children. For those of you who are not familiar with SRO’s, they are police officers specially trained to work in the school environment. There are several other benefits (in addition to the physical safety of our children) to their presence at our schools, including mentoring students, fostering positive relationships between children and police and providing anti-bullying, anti-drug and "stranger danger" programs. Newington High School has had a SRO on its premises for many years. In light of the recent tragedy, there is every reason to afford the same level of protection to our middle and elementary school students.

If you feel as strongly aswe do about the safety of our children,we urge you to sign this petition and contact our Town Manager, John Salamone, and members of our Town Council to demand placement of a SRO at each of our middle and elementary schools. Unless we stand together and make all of our voices heard now, we will miss this opportunity to ensure the safety of our children.

Wealso ask that you forward this peitionto other parents and concerned Newington citizens who feel as strongly aswe do about this important issue. Thanks for your support!

Lisa Vumback