A Message from the Superintendent
May 25th, 2022
Response to the Robb Elementary School mass shooting in Texas
Dear Edmonds School District families,
Each of us are holding our children and loved ones extra tight today as we continue to process the deep sorrow for the victims of yesterday's tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Our hearts are broken as we send our thoughts to the community at this unimaginable time.
Acts of violence such as these have stunned our nation. There are many things we as adults can do to reassure our students of their safety at school. As our children learn of this event, they may have a range of reactions and questions. While we cannot give our students a guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen to them, we can reassure them that the adults around them will do everything in their power to keep them safe.
Families and staff are encouraged to visit the resources linked below to help talk with their kids about this tragic event.
Safety in our schools
The Edmonds School District has taken steps to maintain student and staff safety as a priority. We have invested significant resources in physical safety measures such as cameras, access controls and we have worked to ensure that our staff and students have been trained in ALICE, and we will continue to refresh these trainings.
ALICE stands for:
Alert: Make everyone aware of a threat immediately. A speedy response is critical.
Lockdown: If evacuation is not a safe option, barricade entry points to the room in an effort to create a semi-secure starting point.
Inform: Communicate information over every channel possible in real time, keeping everyone informed.
Counter: Create noise, movement, distance, and distraction with the intent of reducing the shooter’s ability to shoot accurately if the shooter invades your space. Counter is NOT fighting and is intended to be a last resort.
Evacuate: When safe to do so, remove yourself from the danger zone.
The safety of our students and staff is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to making every effort to ensure our students have a learning environment in which they feel safe, secure, and can focus on growing every day.
We will continue to support students by providing them with accurate information, opportunities for extra support if needed, and to keep our routines as normal as possible to help students feel secure. You can help your child by simply talking and listening to them.
We don’t always know how a student will be affected in a crisis, but you know your children best. Due to previous similar events or losses, if you feel your child needs to visit with someone, please let your school know.
We ask that you keep the people of Uvalde in your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gustavo Balderas
Superintendent
Resources:
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers – National Association of School Psychologists
Talking to Kids About Fear and Violence – Mental Health America
How to Talk to Kids About Tragedies in the Media – Child Development Institute