Georgia School Shooting and Resources
Good evening, Arcadia Unified Parents, Staff, and Community,
We are beyond saddened and disturbed to learn about the school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia today, where at least four people have died, including two students and two teachers. We want to offer our sincerest condolences to everyone touched by this senseless tragedy and offer you as many resources and support as needed for either you or your child. We have also received numerous inquiries about safety within our schools and community and want to address that as well.
RESOURCES
Below are some resources that you might find helpful and that can assist you in having difficult and sensitive conversations with your children.
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)
- Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (Child Mind Institute)
- Trauma and Disaster Mental Health (American Counseling Association)
- Talking to Children About Mass Shootings (L.A. County Office of Education)
Each May, we have our Mental Health Mondays in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month and share many resources to help support student and staff health and wellness. Our dedicated Mental Health & Wellness Support and Resources webpage includes the following support and resources: crisis and support hotline numbers, links to websites and apps, breathing exercises, mindful art for teens, an AUSD virtual calming room, self-care strategies for teens, top five mental health podcasts and books, calming anxiety in children, videos of our Middle School Wellness Summits, links to each of our school’s counseling websites, and more.
SAFETY PREPAREDNESS
Arcadia Unified ensures the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we know this is a larger community and societal issue that we all need to work on together and support each other as parents, community leaders, students, educators, and advocates for a safe community. As a district, you can learn more about our safety preparedness here.
WHAT WE’VE DONE
In 2006, Arcadia voters approved Measure I, allowing us to improve security measures at each of our schools. This included the border security gates at our schools, controlled entrances, increased lighting, and cameras.
PLANNING AHEAD
Last month, the Arcadia Unified Board of Education voted unanimously to place Measure AS, “Arcadia School Safety & Repair Measure,” on the November 5 ballot. Measure AS, as in Arcadia Schools, would improve school safety and security by upgrading door locks, cameras, alarms, and emergency communications systems. If passed, Measure AS would also upgrade fire and earthquake readiness and retrofitting throughout our schools. During a year-long Facilities Master Plan process last year, a community committee identified more than $700 million in needs. Measure AS would raise $358 million. You can learn more about Measure AS at this link.
Please reach out if you or your child need support, and please continue to support each other as a unified community against hate and violence. Our hearts and minds will continue to be with the educators, families, and communities in Georgia as they navigate this unthinkable tragedy. Again, thank you so much for supporting each other, our students, our staff, and our schools, and please reach out to someone if you need any additional support or have questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Vannasdall
Arcadia Unified School District Superintendent