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Our Hearts Go Out to DougCo - from Dr. Glass

Our Hearts Go Out to DougCo - a note from Dr. Glass
Posted on 05/08/2019

May 7, 2019

Dear Jeffco Families and Staff,

I want to reach out to you because I am sure the school shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Douglas County is affecting us all. Our hearts go out to the families and community affected by this act of school violence, especially with the close ties Jeffco families and staff have to our neighboring schools in Douglas County.

When inexplicable school violence such as this - and other recent incidents - happen, much of the attention rightly falls on the horrific event. However, we should remember, in these darkest moments we also hear stories of incredible kindness, love, heroism, and humanity.We are already hearing of such stories.

Tomorrow, May 8, 2019, will be a normal school day in Jeffco, with additional safety patrols and supports at all schools. We appreciate our strong relationships with local law enforcement partners. Our department of school safety staff and local law enforcement will work together to increase security at our schools. Our social-emotional support staff are prepared to support students if needed. I know media stories about school violence make it seem like sending our children to school is a risky proposition. However, our schools are one of the safest places our children can be. Schools create an environment where kids learn and experience life. School is where our children make friends, feel the joy and value of gaining knowledge and realizing success, take part in activities that have a life-long positive impact, have access to music and the arts, and so much more.

Jeffco Public Schools works very hard to make our schools as safe as they can be and we take school safety very seriously. However, we know some students and families may be struggling to make sense of the event that took place today.

Anyone struggling should take some time to talk about his or her thoughts and feelings. Here are some resources to guide you:

We all know strong communication and watching out for each other is the best safety measure for our children, students, staff, and our entire community. Students can go to www.Safe2Tell.org or call 877-542-7233 to anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens them, their friends, family, or school community. Jeffco Public Schools staff monitors this important source of information constantly to provide supports for students in crisis. All of us have a responsibility to tell school administrators if we have information that may affect the safety of our students or staff.

Please take the time necessary to talk with the young people in your life about this issue. Processing and understanding are important steps to healing.

Kind regards,
Dr. Jason Glass
Superintendent and Chief Learner

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