As Austin officials investigate a string of explosions around Austin, some schools are taking extra precautions.
On March 18, two men were sent to a hospital following an explosion in Southwest Austin that police believe was triggered by a tripwire.
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Here is what different schools are doing in an effort to keep their students and staff safe:
Austin ISD did not send school buses to the Travis Country neighborhood Monday due to the magnitude of police activity in the area due to the explosion. School officials announced that tardies and absences on March 19 would be excused.
AISD Superintendent Paul Cruz sent a letter to families stating that AISD is coordinating with the Austin Police Department to take necessary security precautions.
In the letter, Cruz stated that AISD faculty and staff will do the following:
- Be mindful of anything that looks out of the ordinary.
- Contact the Austin Police Department immediately if they see anything suspicious.
- Conduct perimeter checks for any suspicious items inside or outside of school buildings.
- Carefully examine all mail deliveries.
The letter also provided safety steps you can take when visiting your child's school:
- Enter through the visitors’ entrance and check in at the front office.
- Do not let anyone “piggyback” on your entry into the school. Ask them to wait their turn.
- Wear your visitor sticker in a clearly visible location.
- Report anyone you see walking around campus without an AISD badge or visitor badge to the front office.
- Know that firearms are not permitted in school buildings at any time with the exception of those carried by law enforcement.
- Remember: “If you see something, say something.”
- Follow Austin ISD’s social media accounts that may be used in an emergency. On Twitter, follow @AustinISD and on Facebook, like https://www.facebook.com/austinisd/.
- Follow your school’s social media accounts that may be used in an emergency.
Cruz also said campus counselors are trained to support students and staff. He said for more advice on how to talk to your children about violence, visit the National Association of School Psychologists.
Lake Travis Independent School District sent the following letter to parents Tuesday in light of the recent bombings:
Regents School of Austin canceled classes and athletics events Monday as police searched the area for suspicious items. In an email sent to families, Ronnie Long, the Interim Head of School, said the closure came after the nearby neighborhood was closed by the APD until 10 a.m. Long said that after police swept and searched the entire campus, everything was found to be secure.
"Please know that we take the safety of our children, families and staff very seriously. Campus security is a top priority for us. We are constantly evaluating and honing our security measures to ensure the safety of our community," Long said.
Round Rock ISD issued a statement Tuesday saying:
"We understand that tensions are high in our community given then terrible incidents over the past few weeks in the Austin area involving explosive packages that have resulted tragically in two deaths and several injuries. We want to assure you that we are taking every precaution suggested by law enforcement and doing everything possible to keep our campuses safe.
Our campus-based staff are on alert for anything that looks out of the ordinary and will contact police if they see anything suspicious. We are also conducting perimeter checks for any suspicious items inside or outside of school buildings and carefully examining all mail deliveries.
We also want to assist the Austin Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies by spreading APD’s safety message related to suspicious packages. Please be aware of suspicious packages and call 9-1-1 if you receive something you weren’t expecting, from an unknown source, or that is mislabeled. Do NOT handle the package. Call 9-1-1 and officers will respond to investigate. If you see or receive a suspicious package, bag or backpack, do NOT touch or handle it. Call 9-1-1 immediately so that officers can assist you. Please talk with your children about not handling packages delivered to your home, or any bags or packages left unattended."
St. Andrews Episcopal School proceeded with a normal schedule at their 31st Street campus but canceled upper school classes at their Southwest Parkway campus as police continued to investigate and sweep the area.
St. Gabriel's Catholic School delayed classes until 10:30 a.m. due to police activity in the area.
St. Edwards University encouraged their students to follow the "SEU Campus Safety" twitter account as well as Austin police to stay informed. The university also urged students to report anything suspicious on-campus and off-campus.
The University of Texas at Austin's Police Department tweeted to students returning from spring break Monday morning to ensure they are aware about the bombings and to remind them to call 911 if they see anything suspicious. "We must look out for one another." UTPD said.