MVLA UPDATE
May 24, 2022
Message Regarding Robb Elementary Tragedy
Dear MVLA Community,
Today, another heartbreaking, tragic, and senseless act of violence occurred at a public school in our nation at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas – a small, tight-knit community of about 16,000 residents. As I write this, I feel sadness and anger that these events keep happening and are becoming too commonplace. Our hearts, thoughts, and condolences go out to the families and staff of Robb Elementary School, along with the whole Uvalde community.
Below are resources your family may find helpful in reinforcing safety for our students and how to communicate information about this tragedy:
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers - National Association of School Psychologists
Hablarles a los niños sobre violencia: consejos para padres y educadores - National Association of School Psychologists
Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting - American Counseling Association
Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting - The National Child Traumatic Stress Network – English/Spanish
How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War - Common Sense Media
When it comes to safety on our campuses and the well-being of our students, please know that we continually address these top priorities through multiple actions. We appreciate that our students take the safety and security of our classrooms and campuses very seriously. Our school sites emphasize cultures of kindness and inclusion through daily practices and school-wide initiatives.
We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with our local public safety agencies and work hard to maintain these crucial relationships. In collaboration with our local police departments, we will have increased patrols at our campuses this week.
Everyone in the MVLA community plays an essential role in maintaining public safety, and we encourage families to engage in conversations about safety and well-being with their students.
All of our school sites have Comprehensive School Safety Plans. These Safety Plans are updated annually, and our schools regularly hold drills related to our safety protocols.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nellie Meyer
MVLAHSD Superintendent