By: Theresa Coates Ellis — My 8 year-old grandson Colby stayed with me last week. He went home yesterday — to Georgia. Today as the lock down at the schools unfolded, my heart dropped thinking about the children, the parents, the teachers and our first responders who were all at the mercy of one person. Last week I had my radar up every second that I was with Colby. I can’t imagine if he was involved in a situation out of my control — a potentially unsafe environment.

When my husband was stuck in the road block at Round Elementary, he was calling and texting me with updates constantly. I called some key people to bring awareness of the situation. As I was preparing to visit Round, I heard that all schools were on lockdown.

Round parents were huddled in large groups thirsty for knowledge and many were suffering with bad cell service — a common problem at all times in the Round area, in my opinion.  We are still waiting for more answers.

As we reflect, hug your family, look at photos, read stories and have an emergency plan plus call your cell phone provider to improve your coverage.   Sign up for the app on the Manassas City Schools (MCPS) App Store on your smart phone — providing alerts on your phone. Response time was 1:41pm, but, according to some parents, not everyone received the alert. Contact the MCPS communication department if you did not receive the alert. If possible, check MCPS Facebook for comments. Our citizens share info — we have a solid community.

Thank the first responders and teachers for keeping our kids safe — because that is all that matters.