Dear Team DPS,
This week’s events left me feeling a mixture of emotions: concern and protectiveness -- both as a parent and an educator -- frustration, uncertainty and fear that our entire metro region could be subjected to the possibility of school violence. On Thursday morning, I observed many of these same emotions in my colleagues who were still processing the experience. Our schools are supposed to be safe spaces -- how do we support our students when that safety feels violated?
The answer? Love.
As students went back to school on Thursday morning, they were met by thousands of caring and dedicated staff members who used trauma-informed approaches to talk with their students, offering support and working to rebuild their sense of safety. Many schools held assemblies, offered time with counselors and other support staff and made sure that students knew they were safe.
“We had a lot of adults in the hallways and around the school, making sure everyone was focused on safety and security. We also focused on students who we knew could be more impacted by this and were intentional about providing support and resources to them,” said
Lake Middle School
School Psychologist Leann Risten.
At
Grant Ranch ECE-8
, the principal and other leaders met with parents and families in the lobby to answer questions. “We also shared activities for our teachers that allowed our kids to reflect on and process their emotions about what happened,” said Bryanna Fatigate, school psychologist. “The restorative justice counselor and I checked in with classrooms and every classroom I observed seemed to be going well.”
“We found the best approach was to be proactive with our kids,” said Principal Blake Hammond at
Green Valley Ranch Elementary
. “We listened and reminded them that this is a safe environment. By focusing on relationships, we were able to have a relatively normal day where students felt safe and secure in their school. That’s what matters.”
“We held an all-school assembly that went really well,” said Sarah Hartman, a social worker at
George Washington High School
. “When our school leader, Dr. Waters, said that ‘GW is a safe school,’ students cheered and clapped.”
At
Marie L. Greenwood Elementary
, ensuring a trauma-informed approach is also one of the ways they support students emotionally. “Today went smoothly because we have been using trauma-informed practices,” said Marni Choice-Hermosillo, the school’s dean of student services. “We focus on relationship building and trust all school year long. We have only had to check in with our students with more intensive needs, and not much more than what a normal day might look like.”
In the end, all schools shared the same theme: compassion, understanding and love. This was the lesson at
Ashley Elementary
, which created its own message for the entire city. Students were invited to create massive block letters spelling L-O-V-E on the fence outside of the school, with ribbons tied by students and staff to show their commitment to their values.
“Many things are out of our control,” said Zach Rahn, the principal at Ashley. “What is within our control is to show love and kindness, because that is what conquers hate.”
As we come together as a community to heal and move forward, I hope we continue to model the kindness and compassion shown by our students and staff this week. I am honored to be part of a community that takes the time to reaffirm the relationships, safety and connection that we all share as part of Team DPS.
Warm Regards,
Susana
Pictured above: Block letters spelling L-O-V-E on the fence outside of Ashley Elementary.
Watch the video here
.
