The Internet is being used to share experiences learned from a tragedy in Cazenovia .
An upcoming webcast titled "Hope After Tragedy: Weston's Story" aims to help Wisconsin educators learn about safety preparedness. Steve Fernan with the Department of Public Instruction says Weston School District Superintendent Tom Andres talks about the fatal shooting in 2006, in which a 15-year old student killed his high school principal.
"To not only look back at the events of that day and the trauma that they suffered, but what they learned that they need to do both in terms of preparation as well as in how they could have and might respond in the future, as well as the long term impact and the healing process that needs to take place."
Fernan says Andres will also discuss the challenge of recovery after the death of Principal John Klang, but he points out, there's no information in the webcast that would compromise safety or security.
"The specific evacuation routes or specific codes or drills … those sorts of things are not disclosed. This is really meant to talk about broader concepts in terms of planning and response."
The presentation, scheduled to run on May 20, is voluntary viewing for teachers and administrators who might not otherwise have time, energy or the means to attend a seminar. The monthly webcasts highlight the best practices in school crisis preparedness. Other topics in the webcast series include bullying, and cyber bullying.
These online programs are produced by the DPI, the Office of Justice Assistance, the Department of Health and Family Services, Wisconsin Emergency Management, and the Center for School, Youth and Citizen Preparedness.
The May 20 webcast starts at 11:15 a.m.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:36 MP3)
