I write to you in reflection on the shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Like many of you, I find it difficult to process and understand how innocent lives can be lost and hurt in yet another senseless act of gun violence. I hope you will join me in keeping the students, families, and staff of the Covenant School community in your hearts as we collectively mourn their loss.
Acts of violence often result in deep reflections on the safety and well-being of our community. As we talk to our children about this shooting, it can feel vulnerable and challenging not to have easy or simple answers as to why things like this happen. As children express their fear, anger, sadness, and other emotions in response to this event, it is important to validate their experiences and to normalize that there is no “right” way to react to a traumatic event. Validation is one of the best ways we create space to talk about feelings and to demonstrate our care and dedication are keeping children and one another safe.
Our culture of care also extends to how PSB responds to potential crises and the continued development and refinement of our emergency procedures and security measures. Throughout the year, each of our schools practices a variety of drills and responses in collaboration with the Town’s police, fire, and public health departments. This culture of care also reminds us that we can always do more to protect our student’s well-being. We will continue working with our school and Town leaders to review and update our existing protocols as necessary.
Finally, please contact members of our student support teams if you need space to process what has happened. We are here to assist each other, you, and your child.
Sincerely,
Linus J. Guillory Jr., PhD
Superintendent of Schools
