The news over the weekend was filled with stories from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the pain and anger unleashed by a senseless school shooting that has become too much a part of our landscape in the United States.
So, I write you reluctantly. After each event like last week's in Florida, I know I can't possibly calm all your fears and yet there are so many wonderful things happening at Columbus Academy that are begging to be told, and known, and considered.
But here we are, the second letter regarding lockdowns and safety in 10 days.
You know we are a school that takes practice seriously. And safety protocols are no different than counting to 100, writing an excellent sentence or setting a pool-best record in swimming; they require a certain level of attention to detail and adaptability in the unpredicted environment.
Since the summer, we had planned to begin spring drills at particularly inconvenient moments: the start of the school day, the end of the school day, during upper and middle school athletic practices, lunch and so on. We are going to begin to do those with little or no advanced communication from the school.
No doubt there will be inconvenience and frustration as the school runs minimally announced drills, but if we all keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to be prepared in keeping our children safe, I am sure our community can handle the ups and downs. We need to learn what we do not know and be sure we are moving from rote reactions to tactical decision-making.
Please know that we will keep all drills developmentally appropriate, and younger children will be hearing slightly different messages than older ones. These will not be designed to increase anxiety, as all practice is intended to build confidence and competence, but the nature of what we are practicing for is fundamentally unsettling.
There are helpful resources shared with us through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) that I urge you to make use of if you or your children are experiencing heightened concern around issues of school safety.
As always, I thank you for this supportive community -- to which all of us belong -- for it is the anchor of our children's growth and health.
Warmly,
Melissa
Head of School
