Shrewsbury Public Schools: Message To Families & Staff Re: Texas School Shooting

Shrewsbury MA

25 May, 2022

11:56 PM

Description

Press release from the Shrewsbury Public Schools: May 24, 2022 Dear Shrewsbury Families & Colleagues, "You likely have seen the news of the horrific elementary school shooting that occurred earlier today in Uvalde, Texas. Our hearts are broken as we think about this tragic loss of lives and the impact on the Uvalde community and beyond. Our SPS leadership team convened this evening to coordinate this communication, to provide reassurance and make you aware of how we will respond at school tomorrow. Please note: 1) Our schools are very safe places, and we follow security practices and protocols to maintain that safe environment. We have emergency plans that were developed in coordination with the Shrewsbury Police and Fire Departments, and we have regular drills with our public safety partners. While awful news of this school shooting naturally creates fear and anxiety, please remember that these events are rare. 2) We have coordinated with the Shrewsbury Police Department to have enhanced police presence on our school campuses tomorrow as a measure of reassurance in the wake of this newest school shooting. 4) Given the access to technology so many of our students have, we expect that many of them already know about this tragedy, and parents and caretakers may want to have a discussion with them this evening. The following links may be helpful to you in processing this kind of news with your children. Thank you in advance to all of our families and staff for modeling calm and caring in supporting our children." Respectfully, Joe Sawyer Superintendent of Schools American Psychological Association: Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers This press release was produced by the Shrewsbury Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.