FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — Schools in the Washington area will have counselors and some extra police patrols as students return to class following the school shooting in Connecticut.

On Sunday, Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Jack Dale said county police would increase patrols and visibility this week around all county schools. Dale says this is not a response to any threat. He says it’s a police initiative to enhance safety and alleviate anxiety. Fairfax County is the largest school system in the Washington area with 181,000 students.

Loudoun County also is increasing patrols around elementary schools.

In Maryland, Montgomery County Public Schools plan to have counselors available Monday to support the county’s 149,000 students. Officials say school principals will take time to make sure children are dealing with the tragedy as best as they can.

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