To the Editor,

Once again, I find myself requesting the use of the “Letter to the Editor” to express our appreciation to the local law enforcement agencies. At a time in which law officers are underappreciated and on occasions the actual target, we would like to publicly thank them for their service.

On Monday, Oct. 19, our school was notified by the Washington Police Department of an incident at a nearby apartment complex. Our school conducted lockdown procedures and within minutes, multiple law enforcement personnel form Washington Police Department and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrived on campus and secured the area. The school remained on lockdown and law enforcement remained on campus until notified by the appropriate personnel.

Student safety is always the number one priority on any survey conducted by schools. Although academics, assessments, athletics, and other extra-curricular activities are all important in education, parents often remind us that ultimately, student safety is number one. I would like to assure the parents of John Cotten Tayloe students that thanks to the efforts of the Washington Police Department, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, and the staff of JCT, that goal was successfully met on Monday afternoon.

Thank you to each person who placed the safety of the students and JCT above their own personal safety. I am confident you do not hear it enough, but on behalf of the students and staff of JCT, we appreciate your service to our school and community.

 

Bubs Carson

Principal, John Cotten Tayloe Elementary School