September 6, 2024

Dear Phoenix #1 Families,

In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Georgia, many of us are left heartbroken and concerned about the safety of our own children. I want to take a moment to reassure you that the safety and well-being of every child in our district is our top priority. We are continually assessing and improving our safety protocols to protect our students.

Over the past few years, we’ve made significant facility upgrades, such as replacing traditional glass windows and doors with bullet-resistant glass. You may have also noticed increased security measures, including more locked entryways and classrooms. In addition, we regularly conduct safety drills—fire drills, lockdown drills, and more—to ensure that our staff and students are well-prepared in the event of an emergency.

In May 2022, our Governing Board adopted a Firearm Storage Resolution, highlighting the importance of safely storing firearms at home. Research shows that approximately 78% of school shooters under 18 obtained their weapons from their own home, a relative’s, or a friend’s home. Our District follows the belief that student outcomes do not change until adult behaviors change. We must take collective responsibility to prevent children from accessing firearms. More information can be found in our student handbooks.

Early detection of potential threats is another critical component of our safety plan. We are fortunate to have highly trained social workers on staff who collaborate with students and staff to identify and address any concerns before they become serious threats. If you ever have concerns about your student, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for support.

We understand that discussing these incidents with your children can be difficult. Here are some recommended tips for having these conversations:

• Start the conversation: Be honest without being graphic, and encourage your child to ask questions and share their feelings.

• Emphasize safety: Reassure them that they are safe and that the drills they practice at school are designed to protect them.

• Normalize their feelings: Let them know it’s okay to feel scared, sad, or confused, and encourage them to talk to you or another trusted adult.

• Remind them of the safety network: Teachers, school leaders, and first responders are all trained to keep them safe.

• Watch for signs of trauma: If your child seems excessively anxious, worried, angry, or withdrawn, please reach out to your school’s social worker for support.

Keeping our children safe is a shared responsibility, and together as a community, we can make a difference. Please let us know how we can support you and your family during this time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Deborah Gonzalez
Superintendent