Children come to the YMCA to learn and grow in a safe environment. The thought of a similar tragedy happening in our hometown is unimaginable. Many of our teachers are also parents. We understand the weight of the responsibility that you entrust us with every day.
At the YMCA, your child’s safety is our top priority. We have lock down emergency procedures as well as interior and exterior relocations zones for our child care facilities. We regularly review our safety procedures, and will continue to do so moving forward.
I encourage you to be aware of what your children are hearing about this tragedy, and to reassure them that they are safe. Children will do as well as the adults around them. Often younger children perceive danger more based on how adults around them react, rather than on the actual level of threat. Listen more, be close.
While this tragedy happened elsewhere, our children will be impacted by the events at Sandy Hook Elementary. Even though the town of Sandy Hook is miles away, members at our YMCA may have family or friends that have been directly affected by this situation. Let us keep the Newtown community in our prayers as they grieve the loss of children, teachers and administrators.
Joe Tankle
President
YMCA of the Upper Main Line
