Supporting School Safety and Resources Following Recent Tragedy

Dear Santa Rita Union Families,

We are deeply saddened to learn about the tragic events that took place today at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Our hearts go out to the students, staff, families, and the entire community affected by this devastating incident.

Please know that we stand in solidarity with those impacted, and we send our heartfelt thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

This serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in our schools. At Santa Rita Union School District, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We want to take this moment to remind you of the comprehensive safety measures we have in place to protect our school community:

• Secure Campuses: All our campuses have controlled access points, and visitors must check in with the office before entering school grounds.

• Emergency Preparedness: We conduct regular Big Five safety drills, including lockdown/barricade, Secure Campus, and evacuation drills, to ensure that students and staff are prepared in case of an emergency.

• Local Law Enforcement/School Resource Officers (SROs): We collaborate with local law enforcement agencies, and our district probation SRO to support safety initiatives at our schools.

• Security Systems: Our schools are equipped with surveillance cameras and modern security systems to monitor activity and ensure the safety of all individuals on campus.

• Crisis Response Teams: Each school has a dedicated crisis response team trained to handle emergencies swiftly and effectively.

• Mental Health Support: We provide counseling services and resources for students, helping to address emotional and behavioral concerns early on.

• Anti-Bullying Programs: We emphasize building a positive school climate and have programs in place to address bullying, harassment, and any behaviors that might compromise student safety.

We also encourage students and families to report any safety concerns or suspicious activity through our anonymous reporting system. You can access the form here: Anonymous Reporting Form.

We remain vigilant in ensuring that our schools are safe spaces for learning and growth. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

If you have questions about how to talk to children about today’s shooting and other recent tragedies across our nation and our world, here are some resources to consider:

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (from the National Association of School Psychologists)

• Gun Violence and Mass Shootings – Table Talk: Family Conversations About Current Events (from the Anti-Defamation League)

• Helping Children Cope with Frightening News (from the Child Mind Institute)

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our schools safe.