NASHUA – Having a conversation is better than silence, and it is important to have an open dialogue about kindness and differences, according to Nashua School District Superintendent Jahmal Mosley in a letter that went home to parents and students Saturday.

This memo was one that superintendents and principals were finding themselves writing all over the country last week as schools and families across the nation processed the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 children and adults dead and many others wounded.

He reminded parents that everyone must be buzzed into the buildings, because all outer doors are locked during the school day, and said the safety officer has trained staff and students in “a common-sense approach” to emergency response.

School officials, as they are in schools across the country, are reviewing safety protocols and procedures.

“However, we are not powerless,” Mosley said, imploring students to say something if they see something.

This method proved helpful in October, when a student notified teachers that another student at Nashua High School North had posted a “serious threat” that police called “violent.” Police were notified, briefed administrators and a 15-year-old male student was arrested shortly after.

Mosley also discussed the importance of inclusion.

“If you notice a student sitting alone, walking home alone, always alone, please say ‘hello;’ please know what a difference a(n) ‘hola’ or a smile can make in someone’s life,” he said. “If you are a student who feels alone, disconnected or sad, please know that we are here for you. You are not alone.”

The best steps moving forward are together, Mosley said, calling for a conversation about kindness and compassion.

At a recent school board meeting, board member Howard Coffman proposed a moment of silence for the victims in Florida.

The Nashua schools will have counselors available this week for children who have concerns, and encouraged parents to talk to their children about the events as well.

In Merrimack, superintendent Marge Chiafery said she is thankful for the close relationship between the school district and the police department, including a program in the upper elementary school that helps young children build relationships with the officers.

“But of course we can’t expect law enforcement to be solely responsible” for spotting potential situations she said, adding that it’s important to be “ever vigilant” and follow the “if you see something say something” adage.

The students are very good about reporting if something seems wrong or if there is a student who seems like he/she is in danger, Chiafery said. They have strong relationships with the school resource officers and often signal to them if need be, she said.

In this new budget cycle, an additional $6,000 was allocated for specialized training for the SROs, but will not be finalized until the budget is.

“It’s uncanny timing,” Chiafery said of the safety improvements the district started making right before this most recent tragedy.

“One can always do additional training but we need to make sure our building are as safe as they possibly can be,” she said.

The students and staff are versed in active shooter training, shelter in place and lockdown drills.

The New Hampshire Department of Homeland Security is in the midst of auditing the district’s six schools, with the final three to be completed next month.

The audit will evaluate the doors, cameras, locks, windows and more, as well as the schools’ surrounding areas and provide a comprehensive report on strengths and weaknesses, which Chiafery said will play a part in future planning.

“It could not have been more timely,” she said, “I’m very appreciative of the audit.”

In the future, they also hope to add additional cameras at the middle school and high school with help from the Public Infrastructure Fund.

While Chiafery said she has not issued any directives for talking to students about the shooting, she said she is sure it is happening, and believes it will be an ongoing conversation.

Hannah LaClaire can be reached at 594-1243 or hlaclaire@nashuatelegraph.com.