IPS seeks to reassure parents after Conn. shooting

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - In the wake of the school shooting in Newtown, Conn. , on Friday, Indianapolis Public Schools officials sought to reassure its parents and encourage them to help their students feel safe.

"We ask our parents to talk to their children and reassure them that their bus driver, teacher, principal and other adults at their school are there to keep them safe," said IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene G. White.

The school system has a dedicated district police department, that “provides a tremendous safety net for our students and school staff,” according to a news release.

All schools are also locked and visitors can only enter through the main office at each building. Protocols are in place, IPS said, for teachers and administrators to follow in the case of an intruder in a building, and all buildings have internal and external surveillance.

IPS students also participate in a lockdown drill three times a year.

Parents who have questions or need support in talking to their children can contact their school principal for support, IPS said.