Keeping students safe as they head back to class

CHAMPAIGN -- Staff members at Champaign schools are doing everything they can to protect their students. Teachers and students were in the classroom for the first time since last week's deadly shooting in Connecticut.

Some parents were a little nervous about sending their children back to school. But others said they can't worry about every little thing and they trust that school leaders are doing what they can do keep kids out of harm's way.

"I think you have to have trust and faith that they'll be okay," said Linda Pein, who has grandchildren at Edison Middle School.

"When you take a look at statistics, schools are very safe," said Champaign Superintendent Judy Weigand. "Unfortunately because of incidents like we've had in Connecticut, there's this vulnerability because you see the school as that one place where things shouldn't happen like this."

Champaign school leaders said they take precautions on a daily basis. A camera at each school's main entrance keeps an eye on anyone who stops by. Visitors have to buzz in and register at them main office when they get in. But even those safety measures may not be enough to stop the unthinkable.

"They had a very secure system as well," said Weigand. "The individual broke or shot out the glass. How do you protect against that?"

Amy Bannon said her children seem okay.

"They haven't seemed overly concerned," said Bannon. "They feel pretty safe at school."

But even if some are worried, Weigand said they're doing their best to protect the kids.

"It's hard to respond to something so tragic and of course our children are the most innocent people in our society and it's our responsibility to keep them as safe as possible," said Weigand.

Weigand said she'll be meeting with Champaign police to review building security. If they find things they can improve, they'll use those plans in the future.