Dear Members of the AYA Community,
I am struggling to find the right words to share with our community about the horrific and tragic event that occurred yesterday at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Events like this are particularly frightening for those individuals who work at schools or have young children of their own.
In times like these, it is important that we, as parents and educators, monitor our children’s reactions and gauge our response accordingly.
The National Association of School Psychologists offer excellent advice on how to talk to children about acts of violence. I encourage you to visit their website nasponline.org to read their suggestions. I will be sharing the NASP Tips for Parents and Educators with our faculty and staff and have attached the document to this letter.
I want you to know that our campus is the safest campus I have worked on in my years as an educator and that your child’s safety is our first priority. We regularly review and update our Crisis Management Plan.
We have an extensive video monitoring system, door alarm systems, individuals have limited access to our facility and access points are locked. Our security officer John regularly patrols campus and monitors our security cameras. Staff members monitor our hallways, dining hall and outdoor play spaces.
We will support your children, respond to their questions in a developmentally appropriate manner and will continue to provide the stability and excellent educational experience they deserve.
I want to offer my thoughts and prayers to everyone who has been touched by this most recent tragedy.
