In light of the horrific mass shooting Friday at a Connecticut elementary school, Utica Community Schools has boosted its security this week.

Superintendant Christine Johns sent a letter home to parents over the weekend informing them that the district has meet with the local police and in-house security specilaists to put the following additional security measures in place.

• Main entrances (front doors) at our elementary and junior high schools will be locked throughout the day. At the high schools security cameras and staff members will monitor the front entrances.
• Anyone requesting to go beyond the office must show photo identification and have a confirmed purpose.
• Our local police will increase their presence in school parking lots and adjacent areas.

"UCS staff will maintain a sense of routine for the children. A sense of routine and stability is extremely important to help children feel safe. For the most part, the regular school day and school activities will continue as planned," said Johns.

Several years ago, Utica Community Schools implemented nationally recommended security measures, which inclue a security and emergency management plan. Also, all visitors must check in at the office, all exterior doors and windows must be kept locked throughtout the day, expect for the front enterance and phones have been installed in every classroom.

"Utica Community Schools has a long history of coming together in support of all of our children," said Johns. "We appreciate your patience and commitment. Working together, I know we will continue to promote a safe learning environment for the 29,000 students in our schools."

Tell us in the comments' section below what changes, if any, should be made at your child's school in the aftermath of the Connecticut shootings?