Bishop James Dixon with the Spring Area Ministers Coalition said, "Be your brother's keeper, not your brother's killer."
In a small classroom packed with about 100 people, Spring ISD administrators stood alongside a coalition of ministers from across the area, publicly addressing safety and security concerns since the violent stabbing attacks on Spring High School's campus.
"I myself am committed to making sure on Monday morning, that our children are safe when they arrive in this building," promised Spring ISD School Board Justine Durant.
This public address, the first of its kind since deputies say a gang-related fight in the school's cafeteria left 17-year-old student Joshua Broussard dead, three other teens injured and Luis Alfaro, 17, arrested and charged with murder.
Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Draper said, "We're going to have a number of police officers, both Spring ISD and Harris County. So there will be heightened security inside our building and outside of our building."
Dr. Draper and the district police chief detailed the plan of action for students and parents returning to the high school Monday. They say everyone entering the doors should expect to be searched. Only two entrances will be available -- the main front door and the band hall door. Portable metal detectors will be used at the two entrances and students should be prepared to remove jewelry and belts if necessary. Only clear backpacks and small purses no bigger than a loaf of bread will be allowed.
Police K9 units will be sweeping the building. But for now, no additional security is expected on school buses.
"Parents will be receiving updates today, tomorrow, Sunday, all the way up to Monday in terms of what the final results will be in all those plans," Dr. Draper promised.
Administrators did announce funeral arrangements for student Joshua Broussard. A memorial will be held Sunday from 6 to 8pm at Spring Baptist Church. The funeral is Monday at 11am at the same church.
Below is the text of a message sent to parents Friday afternoon:
Spring High School Principal's Message to Parents (No. 6) 4:40 p.m. Sept. 6, 2013
4:40 p.m. Sept. 6, 2013Spring High School Parents,
This is a Spring High School update. The information phone lines will be open for calls this Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parents who have questions and concerns are invited to call 281-891-7000.
We want to remind you that there will be heavy security at the campus on Monday and metal detectors will be used as part of our enhanced safety plan. Only two entrances will be available – the main front door and the band hall door. Portable metal detectors will be used at the two entrances and students should be prepared to remove jewelry and belts if necessary. Only clear backpacks and small purses no bigger than a loaf of bread will be allowed.
We will have a normal class schedule on Monday. Stations will be set up around the building where students can go for counseling services; and counselors located in hallways throughout the school will monitor classrooms to assist students who need immediate attention. We will be posting community counseling resources on our school website.
There will be an increased presence by the Spring ISD Police both inside and outside of the campus for as long as needed, and other local law enforcement agencies will also be present on campus and in the community.
On Monday when our students return to Spring High School, the staff will be ready to offer words of encouragement, to be compassionate listeners, and together, we all work through the healing process.
Sincerely,
Donna Ullrich
Principal
Spring High School
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