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Message from Dr. Glass on South Florida Tragedy

Message from Dr. Glass on South Florida Tragedy
Posted on 02/15/2018

Dear Jeffco Families and Staff,

I want to reach out to you because I am sure the terrible news out of South Florida is affecting us all. It is sad to me that school shootings and violence seem so prevalent in our world today, and I imagine many of you are feeling the same way. I know our hearts go out to the families and community affected by this tragedy, especially considering Jeffco’s history.

When school violence such as this - and other recent similar incidents - happen, much of the attention rightly falls on the horrific event and the unimaginable loss. But, we should also remember, in these darkest moments we also hear stories of incredible kindness, love, heroism, and humanity.

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 events that took place today in Florida.

If you, or a student in your life, is struggling, please take some time to talk about these 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. Let us make sure we are there to support our students through this difficult time.

Kind regards,
Dr. Jason Glass
Superintendent and Chief Learner

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