Thunderblast 2024
Respecting EACH Student, Staff, & Family- February 18, 2024
Tragedy in Our Community
Like many of you, I am extremely saddened by the gas leak and subsequent explosion last night. 14 people were injured; 12 were first responders, and 2 were community members. Of these injuries, there was 1 fatality- Firefighter Trevor Brown, who volunteered due to an "active love of community." His efforts and the work of so many first responders saved lives here at the cost of their own. Seneca will forever be in their debt.
There is nothing I can write here that will truly capture the gravity of this incident. We have teachers that live in the neighborhood, volunteer firefighters on staff, over 150 students in the vicinity attending Seneca, Meadowland, and Dominion. We have all been affected deeply by this tragedy. We will need to walk together as we work through this difficult time.
Empathy
Unfortunately for some people, a tragic event is a source of entertainment or even humor. For those of us that felt and heard the blast, were on the frontlines, are still living among debris, that need to show ID to get in and out of their street, and those of us in mourning, please understand that this event is not just a news story or a novelty. It has rocked our community and needs to be treated as such.
I strongly recommend families having a conversation about social media posts, some of which have been insensitive, in addition to knowing that many people within our walls and on the walk home are hurting deeply right now. This is a time for students to be upstanders if they hear inappropriate conversations or see inappropriate posts. I included these pictures from our neighbors to help you understand and empathize with their new normal and how quickly everything changed in just hours.
From the Seneca Ridge HOA
Drop-off and pick-up will be difficult in the immediate future. We have been asking for years for families to be safer during these times. I am urging you to use our kiss and ride and Dominion's kiss and ride at opening and closing to avoid impacting the Seneca Ridge HOA further.
Virtual Parent Coffee Friday, February 23rd from 11:00 -11:45 AM
Please post your questions in this Questions and Answer Form so we can generate responses. It is okay to post them right before or even during the meeting, but I can best prepare answers with actual data and visuals if they are in a few days in advance. I look forward to seeing you at this GOOGLE MEET LINK. The meeting will be recorded and posted in the following Thunderblast.
Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT)
We will have extra-support from the county on Tuesday, but here are some articles for the Unified Mental Health Team as we are looking to heal.
How Do I Help?
Many of you are so kind and thoughtful and have asked how to help. I have seen some "gofundme" pages out there, but am hesitant to advertise anything until our UMHT is able to fully process the best way for us to support everyone involved. That being said, I won't wait until Friday's parent coffee to share if I get clear direction prior.
When you walk among us at Seneca, know that you are loved unconditionally
📨 Email: nick.cottone@lcps.org
💻 Website: Seneca Ridge Middle School
🏫 Location: 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
☎️ Phone: 571-434-4420