An important message to our community

Dear South Bend School District Community,

On behalf of South Bend Public Schools, our hearts go out to the community of Parkland, Florida, and especially to the staff, students, and families of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. It’s difficult to comprehend the motivation for the horrific attack that took place this week. 

We take safety in our buildings very seriously. The well-being of our students is our top concern. Though we strive to better our preparedness, in light of this recent tragedy we will look into any lessons learned that might further strengthen our plans. The obvious and very difficult balance is the task of providing ultimate safety in our schools while providing adequate access to the community in a thriving public school setting. 

We have worked hard over the past few years to develop our emergency preparedness plans. We have practiced and trained to respond with confidence. Our plans have been developed in coordination with our local police and fire departments, as well as collaboration with county and state officials.  According to state law, schools must conduct at least one safety-related drill each month that school is in session. 

Nevertheless, the random nature of a sudden mass shooting can make us feel very vulnerable, particularly when innocent, vulnerable children are targeted. As we try to cope with this reality, we can and must help our children cope. 

We know that as caring adults we can make the difference between being overwhelmed by circumstances we cannot control and developing critical life-long emotional and coping skills.

Here are a few suggestions for helping to make students feel safe: 

* Turn off or monitor the television. Endless news programs are likely to heighten anxiety, and young children cannot distinguish between images on television and their personal reality.
* Maintain a normal routine.
* Stick to facts. Answer questions factually.
* Remember to filter what you say to a child. Avoid graphic details.
* Remain calm and reassuring. Children take their cues from their parents and adults.
* Be optimistic.
* Be a good listener and observer. Pay attention to changes in behavior.
* Take care of yourself. You are better able to help your students if you are coping well. If you are anxious or upset, your students are more likely to be so as well.

The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. We are vigilant in our efforts to keep our students and staff safe. We will, as we always do, review our crisis plans in light of this tragedy as well as reinforce school security and campus visitor procedures.

It takes parents, students, staff, and community working together to keep our schools safe places to learn. If you ever have information about suspicious, illegal, or unsafe activity at school, please call your child’s school or contact us directly at the district office at 360-875-6041 option 5.  You may do so anonymously if you wish. 

If you have concerns about your child and would like our counselors to speak with him or her in private, please contact your child’s school office. 

Again, our thoughts and hearts go out to the students, staff, and families at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.