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North Kingstown parent praises district and first responders after Providence lockdown at robotics event
Summary
A parent whose child attended a robotics competition in Providence the weekend of Dec. 16 told the School Committee the district, coaches, bus driver and local police handled a lockdown situation well and maintained strong communication and supports to families.
During the public-comment portion of the Dec. 16 meeting, Megan Riley — who identified herself as a parent of a North Kingstown High School student — spoke about a robotics-team trip to Providence that was affected by a citywide lockdown. Riley described long hours away from home, limited outside information, and anxiety among families, and she praised the district's response.
"Everyone from Doctor Duva to, miss Finkelstein... our counselors... the robotics coaches... all of the parents who were there, everyone reached out to each other," Riley said, describing staff and community efforts to keep students calm and supported. She singled out the bus driver, Mr. Hancock, and the school's psychologist, Miss Monaco, for outreach and care. Riley said she received multiple messages, emails and a phone call from the school social worker and that district leaders met with students the following Monday to offer additional support.
Riley also commended the Wheeler School, Providence police, and responding mutual-aid agencies for their actions on site, and she said families were appreciative of the district's outreach in the days that followed. Her comments prompted thanks from committee members and recognition of the district's coordination with local public-safety partners.
The committee later discussed safety measures in the superintendent's report, noting increased police presence around schools and planned meetings with public-safety partners to review emergency preparedness for after-school events.
