Dear Bremerton School District families:
Words do not come easily this morning. My heart is very heavy as I reflect on the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas yesterday and of the students, staff and families impacted by more senseless gun violence.
As a parent and your superintendent, I am deeply saddened – but also angry and frustrated these unthinkable acts continue to occur across our country.
Although this school shooting occurred hundreds of miles away, a tragedy like this can cause common feelings of frustration, anger and fear – especially for the safety of our own children. I want to reassure our families that our students’ and staff’s safety is – and always will be – the district’s number one priority. We are thankful for our community's support which allowed us to make changes to our campuses - such as adding security cameras, perimeter fencing and limiting access to schools through a single point of entry at every building. We commit, through regular and ongoing staff and student training, to ensure that our schools are places where students can learn and grow in safety.
What can you do as a parent?
Listen to your children and take their concerns seriously. If they “see something,” have them “say something.” If they overhear or observe (whether at school, an after-school event, or on social media) a student or former student threatening harm to themselves or others, please reiterate that they should/must immediately report that information to law enforcement or a trusted adult.
If you have firearms or weapons in your home, please secure them.
Model appropriate behaviors. Demonstrate healthy ways to express anger and relieve stress.
Take an active role in your student’s education. Visit and volunteer at school, monitor schoolwork, and get to know teachers.
Get to know your student’s friends and families. Establish a network to exchange information with other parents.
Monitor and supervise your student’s reading material, television, video games, and music for appropriate content.
Monitor your child’s internet use and social media activity and report anything suspicious. In some school shootings, the suspect’s social media accounts foreshadowed violent events.
If you see something, say something.
Resources:
We hope the following resources will be helpful as you address the sadness and fear that your child (ren) may be feeling following yesterday’s tragic shooting.
The National Association of School Psychologists website provides tips on talking to children about violence.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides additional resources and tips that you may find helpful.
School counselors and interventionists are also available to help students who may have anxiety or concerns about what they are seeing on the news or social media regarding the Uvalde incident. Please encourage your child to reach out to a teacher, their principal or school counselor if they would like to talk to someone. As a parent, we encourage you to let us know if your child needs support as well. Free, confidential online therapy is also available to all students in the District. Please visit www.BremertonSchools.org/Gaggle for more information.
Please continue to communicate with your child’s principal or our District School Safety Supervisor Patty Glaser (Patty.Glaser@BremertonSchools.org or 360-473-1003) about your concerns, ideas, and suggestions on how we can collectively ensure the safety, security, and wellness of each of our students.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership,
Aaron Leavell, Ed.D
Superintendent
Bremerton School District
Bremerton School District
Email: communications@bremertonschools.org
Website: www.BremertonSchools.org
Phone: 360-473-1000
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