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We’re in this together
Safety is the job of every school district employee, every parent, every community member A Message from Dr. Don Helmstetter, Superintendent These are, indeed, unusual times. These are times when there are individuals who want so badly to be noticed that they are willing to commit crimes against innocent people, even children. These are times when the media serves the schools as “a friend,” but they also serve the public’s “right-to-know.” Therefore, the media devote an incredible amount of attention to these incidents. Like you, I am saddened and feel for the families and communities victimized by these acts. I am furious at the perpetrators and also that those responsible for school violence receive so much attention because that is exactly what they so desperately seem to crave. I am also saddened that actions like these further tear away at the innocence of our children regardless of their age. And, like all other parents and grandparents, I, too, feel helpless and frustrated at times like this. I say this even though I am more aware than most of the countless precautions and procedures we have in our schools and the thorough pre-emptive actions and advice provided through our close working relationships with local law enforcement agencies. So what’s next for our schools? A metro high school principal recently said something like this: “We have to take every rumor seriously, and we have to investigate, because the potential is always there. Students often take actions where they don’t think first. And with this type of situation, these actions can be very serious.” In schools, we do have to deal with minor incidents from time to time, but it’s usually only the threat that an incident could occur. Sometimes these threats are made in the heat of anger, and the anger often subsides quickly. Nevertheless, harsh words, even threats, if spoken, must be dealt with. More often, though, threats are made simply to get a desired reaction, and often the reaction desired is to vacate the school, or at least disrupt the school day in some way. Nevertheless, the district must, and does, treat each threat as though it is real. And, as each threat is different, each response can be different as well. We spend a lot of thought, time, and resources on safety-related topics. Safety and security is our number one priority. Our children are precious, and every one of our 600 staff members works hard, every day, to make students feel safe and secure and be safe and secure. Many of our teachers and staff are our neighbors, and they are parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents as well. They, too, want each and every child to learn in a safe and secure environment, and I am confident—and proud—of the job that they do. We’re in this together. This summer, I received a call from a citizen who had seen young people on school district property. The caller wanted to be sure that the district knew about it, and he even offered to phone the police. At other times, we hear from students and parents about a rumor that they think we should be aware of. It’s that type of vigilance, that type of concern, that type of community-wide effort, that will help to keep our schools and children safer. We’re in this together. The safety of children is the job of every school district staff member, every parent, and every community member. To be sure, we can all feel just a little bit better about that. |
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