Originally published May 25th, 2022 at 10:46 a.m.
Updated May 25th, 2022 at 11:29 a.m.
(KNSI) — On Tuesday, the Sartell St. Stephen School District issued a statement responding to the fatal mass shooting of 19 kids and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Ridlehoover posted a message on the district’s 748 website addressing staff and families, saying they are “deeply saddened” by the news and “share in the heartbreak” everyone is feeling, calling the shooting a “senseless act of violence.” The announcement adds, “school should – and must be – a place where students feel completely safe and secure.”
Dr. Ridlehoover says the district is working with local law enforcement officials to increase police presence in and around their buildings for the rest of the week.
The statement also says, “events like this are not only tragic and painful, but they can often lead to anxiety and fear felt by our entire school community. We understand that our students and staff may need additional support during this time. We have trained staff who provide a range of social-emotional support for our students.”
In recent years, the Sartell St. Stephen School District has increased security at all building entrances and practiced emergency response strategies in the event of a crisis.
St. Cloud State University President Dr. Robbyn Wacker took to Twitter to issue a statement saying “Our aching hearts go out to the families of the victims of the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. This kind of evil act is preventable and calls for change. As violence in our schools, places of worship, grocery stores, nightclubs, theaters, and concert venues continues to rise, it is the innocent victims and their families who bear such unimaginable loss. To break this terrible cycle, we must, as a nation, begin to discuss how violence has become the norm and take action for the safety of our communities.”
Find more resources for talking to kids about traumatic events by clicking here.
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