Portland Public Schools: Message To Roosevelt Families About Tuesday's Incident

Portland OR

08 December, 2021

1:16 AM

Description

Press release from Portland Public Schools: December 7, 2021 Dear Roosevelt Families, As you know, we had an incident today that resulted in us putting the school in lockdown. Fortunately, no one was physically injured, but we know this type of situation, coming just a week after the tragic school shooting in Michigan, can lead to emotional and psychological trauma for students. Here is what we can share about the incident. It started in the morning off campus and involved students at two other schools. One student allegedly robbed another with a weapon. The incident was reported to staff and police.  As a precautionary measure we instituted a secure-lockout at Roosevelt and the other two schools (George and Astor). Precautionary secure mode means the perimeter of the school was secured and we continued classes as usual within the school building.  Shortly after Roosevelt activated the secure lockout, campus safety personnel recognized the students involved entering the Roosevelt campus property. The school was moved to a lockdown, Portland police responded and detained the students involved.  We increased campus security, and soon instituted a controlled release of the students for the day, closing the campus and canceling all extracurricular activities. No students or staff were injured. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our students, staff and families, and we want to let you know some of the steps we are taking to help students feel secure and supports we will put in place in the coming days and weeks: Additional Campus Safety Associates throughout the day. A Safe Space will be located in the Counseling Center for students who have questions or concerns.  The room will be staffed by School Social Workers and trained volunteers who work with the PPS Office of Student Support Services.  Plans of Support are also available to any student who inquires.  Please see an Administrator for assistance. District Administrators and personnel will be present to support RHS staff and administrators as needed. Students are also encouraged to speak with a trusted adult if they have information related to this incident or to use the SAFE OREGON Tip hotline. Remember if you see something or hear something, please say something. If you are ever aware of anything you think represents a threat to student safety, please always let us know. You can also report to the SafeOregon tip line via text or call: 844-472-3367; email: [email protected]; or download the SafeOregon app. Trained staff are available to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   We encourage you to talk to your students about what happened Tuesday, and to encourage them to use the resources available.  We already planned a different schedule tomorrow for students to connect with staff and get work on their academic needs.  The schedule tomorrow is: 8:30-9:00 Doors Open/Breakfast 9:00-10:00 Homebase with 2nd Period 10:05-11:30 Office Hours Session with teachers 11:30-12:10 Lunch and Dismissal We will also have a virtual option for students who prefer to stay home tomorrow and want to access support and connect with staff.  Look for more info tomorrow on Trivory for links.  We are constantly striving to make Roosevelt a place where students feel safe and supported. We know this incident was upsetting, and we will do all we can to support our students to get through it. KD Parman, Principal This press release was produced by Portland Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.