My kid's school is now LOCKED DOWN!

[Blondie]

Some Fredericksburg area schools have gone into "lockdown" following this morning's shooting at a middle school in nearby Prince George's County, Maryland. That means no one can leave the school and no one can enter until the end of the school day.

A spokeswoman for Spotsylvania County schools says the superintendent issued a directive that cancels all outside activities and after school events. Linda Cavender says that sheriff's deputies will be at all school campuses when classes are dismissed at the end of the day. King George school officials announced shortly after 10am that they have also implemented a lock down plan. They have also cancelled all after school activities.

In Fredericksburg Assistant Superintendent Robert Burch says they are in a lockdown and have an increased police presence at all of its school campuses. He says a letter will be sent home with the students this afternoon. In Stafford and Caroline Counties, all outside activities, including field trips, have been cancelled for the day.

Again, a stepped up police presence will be at those schools.

 

[Blondie]

This has me wondering if they think the sniper is heading back down in my direction!

I wonder what they are telling the kids?

 

[tc]

This is such a tragedy. I am so sorry your family is being so affected. I remember when our schools were on lock down after the Columbine shootings. It's so difficult for it not to affect the kids. I will continue to pray that this maniac (or maniacs) are caught soon and no other people die.

{{{{HUGS}}}} to you, and all those affected by this bizarre (and deadly) situation.

 

[browneyes]

Kathy, that's scary! I'd be mad if I couldn't get my kids out of school in a situation like that.

 

[JAP]

OMG! How are this children supposed to lead normanl lives after this?

Good luck talking with your children. I am sure they are scared to death by what is happening.

I am so angry. FBI get your butts out there and find these people!

I will continue to pray for you folks who live in the area.

Jen

 

[Blondie]

They've also cancelled all Parks & Rec soccer games, and anything else that is held outside.

I am so mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not mad that things have been cancelled, I'm mad that my children's lives may be in danger, and I'm mad at the control and fear this sniper(s) is holding over all of us!

I have to go out grocery shopping, do I run into the store to avoid being a target? (a moving target is harder to hit)

Do I go out at all?

 

[mom2boys]

What a sad & scary world our kids have to live in. My kids school was locked down on Thursday & Friday. I imagine they are locked down again.
Yesterday, my 8 year old & I were coming out of Toys R Us in Frederick, MD. I heard a siren & was concerned (understatement), but didn't want to alarm my son. Once I decided there was no immediate danger, we went to the parking lot. After we got outside my 8 yr old said, "Oh, it was just that toy fire engine." I knew he was aware of the shootings but didn't realize that he was worried about staying safe. What makes it worse is that this is my rational child. My other son is much more emotional & much more of a worrier.

 

[wovenwonder]

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} This is so scary! Seems like a horror movie that many of you are just too close to! Keep safe! CATCH THIS CREEP SOON!

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Prior to this morning's shooting, Montgomery County schools were going to open as normal with no outdoor restrictions. We could, however, request that our child be kept inside.

I spoke to my 8 year old about it this morning and asked what he wanted to do. He said, "we can't worry about what might happen. I'm going to play outside."

I have a very wise kid.

 

[December99]

OMG....this is scary!!!! My dad is driving around in that area today on his way home from vacation.....just what I need - something else to worry about!!!

Stay safe Blondie!!!

 

[honeywolf7]

OMG....How scary, Blondie. I am in Richmond, but I was still a little scared myself when I went on my lunch date today. I'm also worried about my kids being in daycare and school today as well even though they aren't in northern VA

 

[Serena]

I was sure I replied to this.

Blondie I can't imagine how you must be feeling, you and the other parents.

I don't know if this will help or not, but my child's school goes on lock down about once a month. Whenever the police are chasing someone, especially someone on foot, anywhere close to the school, the school is called and they lock it down. Not that the police think there is anything to worry about, but to be extra careful.
The principal doesn't give the kids the explanation as to why "no outdoor recess".

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

That is all so unbelivably freaky scary, Blondie. Take care.

 

[NHAnn]

How scary!

OK, am I the only paranopid one who is thinking that maybe this is not a lone psycho (and possibly copycat), but possibly another form of planned organized terrorism?

Hoping that the perpetrator(s) is caught before more lives are lost.

 

[Blondie]

Originally posted by NHAnn
How scary!

OK, am I the only paranopid one who is thinking that maybe this is not a lone psycho (and possibly copycat), but possibly another form of planned organized terrorism?

No, the thought has entered my mind, as well as those I work with.

I went grocery shopping, and tried to carry on--business as usual, and was completely fine until I drove by an area elementary school and saw a police car in the driveway.

Then the fear took over again.

 

[Blondie]

Regarding the boy that was shot earlier this morning;

This morning's victim sustained a single gunshot wound to the chest, said Jacqueline D. Bowens, a spokeswoman for Children's Hospital in Washington. He was undergoing surgery there and was listed in critical but stable condition, she said.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

My very best wishes are with you...

I have very good friends in the area and know they are really worried. Just going out to get groceries shouldn't be a frightening experience.

I too have wondered if this isn't some bizarre form of terrorism. I hope it's not and they find this person/people who are responsible.

 

[honeywolf7]

I'm starting to really think this might be terrorism (mostly because of the location and the # of people shot.)

 

[nicurn]

Hey Blondie, at least your kid's school was locked down, my child was outside on the playground when I drove by this am around 10:20am. I was not happy. We live about 30 minutes from where the shootings started, all the surrounding counties (fairfax, montgomery, etc) cancelled outdoor activities, etc. Did our county? noooooo. It was left up to the principals. They finally got their act together at some point this afternoon and have cancelled all outdoor activities, but boy, it took them a long time. I almost turned around and went to pick her up, but I don't want her to freak out either, she's only 7. I will be having quite the discussion tomorrow night with the elected officials however. I hope they get this person soon, I hate having to think about where I'm going, where to park the car, etc. maggie

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

I don't think it's terrorism. Terrorists want to make the biggest impact in lives lost as possible. There are far easier ways to do that than picking people off one by one in a suburban area.

Honestly, none of the people I know (I'm in Montgomery County) think it's anything other than some nut with a grievance.