School handled lockdown crisis well

While Fox Lake and its surrounding communities are grieving the loss of Officer Gliniewicz, I wanted to take a moment to offer some positive thoughts in the midst of this tragedy.

First, I want to thank Grant Community High School, its superintendent, Christy Sefcik, principal, Jeremy Schmidt, all faculty and students for the way they handled the crisis.

My daughter and her classmates dealt with a seven-hour hard lockdown after the shooting of Officer Joe. For those not in a school setting, a hard lockdown involves students sitting in a corner of a classroom away from doors and windows, lights off, and shades drawn.

Add to this the sound of helicopters overhead, and this makes for a frightening situation.

The superintendent and many teachers made a point of telling parents how wonderfully the students behaved. The students understood and voiced how, while this was a stressful and boring day, they could eventually go home, unlike the officer who couldn't go home to his family.

Grant kept our children safe and kept parents informed through calls throughout the day. It was also heartwarming to see all the parents who attended the open house Thursday night at Grant give the superintendent a standing ovation for all that was done for our students on the day of the shooting.

The other positive that I will take away from this situation is how so many people within or near Fox Lake have contributed money, time and prayers to help out the Gliniewicz family.

There have been numerous fundraisers at businesses and wonderful tributes seen at individual homes and businesses in the form of ribbons, blue lights and yard signs.

This tragedy has brought much strength and unity to our community. Officer Gliniewicz certainly would be proud.

Christine Fisherkeller

Round Lake Beach